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Digitized by the Internet Archive 
in 2011 with funding from 
The Library of Congress 



http://www.archive.org/details/signofsivaoriginOObenn 



The Sign of Siva 



An Original Play 



... In Four Acts .. 



BY. 



•...Clarence Bennett.... 



COPYRIGHT APPLIED FOR. 



ULAP^MCm BENNETT PUB. CO., 

Springfield, 111. 






THE LiSRASY OF 

GCNGRLS3. 
Two CO!^E* REceveo 

NOV. 7 1901 

/ O 6.c^ 

coFr a* 



The Sign of Siva 



ACT I. 

Scene — Handsome interior, large doors R. 3 with curtains. Small 
book case in R. U. corner. Deep alcove window, looking- out on 
fashionable Parisian street, with window seat, curtains, grillwork, 
&c., R. C. in 3 and 4. Seat in window. Large hallway, arch or 
door L. C in 3 backed by hall backing in 4. Jog door with por- 
tiers, facing audience L. in 2. Half sofa up C. with clump of 
palms back of it. Turkish stool or tablette (hight of chair) R. 
of sofa C. Sofa down R. opp. 2 with Jerv. and Yvette. Mme. de 
T. on sofa C. Tate tate corner L. 2. Gil. and Mart, in window. 
Jaque and Maj. in arch up L.. C. Life-sized statue in R. U. cor. 
(can have tate-tate for chair and sofa up C.) Flaroque up C. L. 
of Mme de Tourney. 

Mme de T. You left just as it began to be most lovely. 

Jean. Ah, the Riviera is always lovely. 

Mme de T. It is strange. Mons. Flaroque. that you. a poet, could 
have torn yourself avray at that time. 

Mart. Yesl Why didn't you stay and write an ode to spring? 
All poets write odes to springi (with Gil's, fan for mandolin), (sings) 
I sing of springi springi Oh, jingi What ails this thing? This string 
won't "bingi'' My warbling is wobbling I I bring and fling a string 
of sing to ring to the coming of King Spring, on flinging wing I Bing! 
bing! zing I zing I 

Gil. (snatching fan from him). Give me my fan I You shall not 
use it to torture Mons. Flaroque. 

Jean (smiling). Thanks. M'lle. But he doesn't annoy me. Such 
fellows are a necessary evil. 

Mart. And poets are useful, in a way. If there were none of you 
grave, owl-eyed, sentimental bards, who write sonnets to their ladies'" 
curling irons, we should all die for want of something to make fun of. 
You are so useful — to make people laugh (all laugh). 

Jean. Then you should turn poet, Henri. Then, perhaps, YOU 
might SUCCEED in making people laugh (all laugh). (To Mme. de 
T. ) Business recalled me to Paris: but I left the Riviera with the ut- 
most regret. 

Mme. de T. (archlv. aside to him). But it was not the beautiful 



i 



Italian skies so miich"*as a pair of beautiful Russian eyes that wooed 
you to stay, was it? 

Jean (aside to her). Hush! Not a word I I deny nothing*. But 
my love for that beautiful, mysterious woman is as hopeless as it is 
sincere. 

Mme. de T. (aside to him). Perhaps not, my friend. I have some- 
thing to tell you all a little later. (Jean, pleased, crosses back of her 
to Mart, and Gil, Maj. and Jaques come down L. of Julie. Jaques 
shows annoyance at Mart.) (To Jaques). Jaques, you are ill at 
ease. (Jean bows and crosses to book case R. IT. and gets book). 

Jaq. (gruffly). I don't feel altogether comfortable. Julie. 

Julie. Yes. I understand. But you have no cause for alarm. I 
will explain to you when I have an opportunity (crosses to Maj. ) 

JaQ. (aside, going up C). YesI These women would explain away 
•the evidences of our own eyes and ears. 

.TuiiiE. Ah, Major I I was just telling Mons. Flaroque of our 
lovely days in Italy. 

Maj. Lovely, ma'am? Italy, in your society, was simply gor- 
geous! I felt like a boy again! 

Mart, (in window). What, Major! Not second childhood? 

Gil. Silence, you saucy urchin! I know someone who hasn't 
outgrown his first childhood yet (all laugh except Jaq.) 

Maj. Thanks, Miss Gilbert, for taking my part. I leave you to 
punish him. 

Gil. (to Mart). You hear that, bad child? I am your governess I 

Jaq. (aside angrily). Sacre! I wish she'd drop this kindergarten 
business. 

YVETTE (R. by .Terv). Madame. I envy you so! I have so longed 
to see Italy. 

.Terv. (aside to her tenderly). You shall see it. MaCherie! We 
will take our bridal tour there. 

Jaq. (up 0). .Tulie and I always go there during the dull season 
in Paris. 

Gil. (^vith mock horror). Oh, Mons. Brissac! What treason! 
Paris is never dull. Is it, Mons Martin? 

Jaq. (aside). To amuse that Jumping Jack! 

Mart. Never! ah, never! (sings with fanj. I cannot liee from 
gay Pa-ree. The flame is she, — the moths are wee. One can't leave 
thee. oh. fair citee. She holdeth he. he loveth she ! Tra-la-lu — Tra- 
la-lee. 

Jaq Pray stop acting the fool. 

Mart. The fool! Ah, I forgot you were present. Your pardon, 
Mons. I never, knowingly, mimic another's misfortune. (All laugh 
at .Jac.) 



Jaq. (has beckoned Mart., who joins him, C). Mons. Martin will 
you kindly have your representative call on my friend, Maj. Sapp, to- 
morrow, at his lodging-s, Rue Rivoli 18? 

Mart. (bows). Mons. Brissac, you honor me. Mons. Flaroque 
will be there at ten tomorrow morning. Excuse me. I was in the 
midst of a funny story I was telling- Mile. Gilbert, (nudges him in the 
ribs. Jaq. mad.) 

Jaq. (grimly). Make the most of her society. You won't enjoy 
it much longer (joins Julie.) 

Mart, (looks after him surprised). Vv^ell, hang me, if I don't be- 
lieve he's jealous of m.e (joins Gil.) 

Gil. (quickly). What was Mons. Brissac saying- to you? 

Mart (evasively). Only an invitation to his club, that's all. 

Gil. (incredulously). I don't believe it. You shall tell me, or 
I'll not help you to win Yvette (they talk in dumb show.) 

Mme. de T. By the way, I have something of interest to tell you 
all. 

Jerv. Proceed, Madamel We are all attention. 

Mme. de T. Are you listening-, Mons. Flaroque? 

Jean (R. U. at book-case with book which he drops). Like the 
lover to the song of the nig'hting^ale. 

Mart. Moonlight and nightingales now? Ha, ha, ha! 

Gil. Don't open your features in that awful way, Mons. Henri. 
They can all see that that vast cavern occupies your entire head ex- 
cept the rind (all laugh.) 

Jean. Thanks, my gallant defender (to Mart.) Now will you be 
good? 

Mme. de T. Mons. Flaroque, you remember the Duchess Torgoff- 
ski, do you not? 

Jean (enthusiastically, coming- R. C.) Ah, Madame! do I re- 
member ? 

Jaq, (laug-hing). Does he remember? Why. the lucky dog. He 
w^as her shadow. 

Jean. Can I ever forget? 

Maj. She is a Russian lady, I believe, and very w^ealthy. She's 
a mighty handsome woman. 

Jaq. She is a splendid creature. 

Jean. She is an angel (all laugh.) 

.Jaq. (laughing). I am neither an enthusiast nor a poet, like you; 
but I sanction your estimate. I admit she is. 

Maj. Well, I'm not much read up on ang-els, but I'll endorse that 
valuation. (Julia looks up at Mm). But 1 prefer a Parisian to a 
Russian angel. Ma'am! (bows). 



YvETTE. She must be a strange and beautiful woman. Tell us 
more about her. 

Gil. (downL. of Jaques). Yes I Tell us! We are dying of curi- 
osity. (Aside to Jaques). I have something to say to you presently. 

Jaq. (pettishly). I am always at your service when you deign to 
spare me a moment from your "Baby farming." 

Julie, (coming up C). Well, her childhood was passed in the 
East — in India, I think (sits). 

JERV. (starts, interested). In India? 

Julie. I think so. Her secretary is also an Oriental — dark, 
silent, grave man, of exquisite manners and bearing; but a creature of 
silence and mystery, out of the mysterious East. 

Gil. What a strange being! T should feel half afraid of him. 

Julie. No, Gilbert. He would awe and fascinate you; but yet 
he would attract you 

Jerv. Yes! As the snake attracts the bird. I know these ac- 
cursed Hindoos. 

Julie. Oh, Mons. Jervois! Your long stay in the East has made 
you distrust all Orientals. There is nothing sinister or malignant 
about Mons. Ahdeeb. He strikes you as a silent, sad man with a life 
purpose — a deep and sacred one; but which he keeps as a holy secret. 
Some of us thought him a Persian, some Arab, some Malay and others 
a Hindoo. What is your opinion, .Jaques? 

.Jaq. Well, judging by his name, Ahdeeb Dahnmoot, I am cer- 
tain he is a Hindoo of high caste. Mons Jervois, I can refer to you 
as an authority in the matter. 

Jerv. You are probably right. It is certainly a Hindoo name, 
and, I think, a high caste. 

Mart, (to Jean). I should have thought you would have been 
jealous of him, Jean. 

Gil. There! You have spoken again, and silence is so becoming 
to you (all laugh). 

Julie. Oh, Mons. Henri, none of the Duchess' admirers have the 
slightest cause to be jealous. Ahdeeb's devotion to her is such as a 
vassal might pay a queen. 

YvETTE. How I wish I could have met her. 

Julie. And so you shall. She is coming to Paris. 

Jean (starting forward). What? (All laugh). 

Julie (smiling). Ah, I thought that would interest you, 

Yvette. How soon shall we see her? 

Julie. I expect her any day, any hour. And, apropos of that, 
she has a strange, mesmeric power of heralding her approach — of 
making you think of her and feel her presence before she appears. 

Yvette. Oh, how strange. 



Jaq. Straug-e, but true. A party of us would be chatting- — all at 
once, she becomes the topic of conversation, and — 

Serv. (at door L. F.) Her Grace, the Duchess Torg-offski. 

Mart. Speak of the Dev—. We'll call her -'Mile. Satan. •' 

Jean (reproYinglv). Henril 

Mart. Your pardon. Speak of angels, and — rustle, wingfs, &c. 
(Helene enters D. L. F. in rich carriage cloak, followed by Goorlah). 

Julie (meeting her). My dear friend! I am so glad to welcome 
you. 

Helexe. x\nd I to see you, my dear Julie. I have been thinking 
of you. not Paris, as my destination, all the w^ay from Italy. 

.TuLiE. HushI You'll make somebody jealous of me, my dear 
Helene. 

Helene (looks R. giving Jean her hand). Ah, Mons. Flaroque! 
This is an unexpected pleasure. 

Jean (kisses her hand). You are kind to say that. It is a great 
joy to me. (Julie starts to take off Helene's cloak). 

Helene. Goorlah -will take them for me (she does). Thanks, 
dear. 

Goorlah. My Chetahl My beautiful. 

Helene (caresses her hand). Savitri Purusha! (Goorlah kisses 
her hand and retires with wraps D. L. F.) (Helene. turning to Jaq.) 
WhatI Mons. de Brissac? And Maj. Sapp, too? How fortunate! Ah, 
gentlemen, isn't this splendid? We have transplanted our little cos- 
mopolitan set from Italy to Paris. 

Jaq. (kisses her hand). Mile, la Duchens, your devoted servant! 
My sister kept your coming as a chai-ming surprise till a few moments 
since. 

Maj. (shakes her proffered hand). Ma'am, your most obedient! 
You are as sunshiny and springlike as ever. 

Julie (coming L. of her). My dear Duchess, these gentlemen are 
monopolizing you by right of prior discovery. Allow me to present 
my other guests. Duchess Torgoffski, this is M'lle. Mourant. 

Helene (shaking hands). Oh, yes; I know you already. Julie 
has told me of you and your sister, Gilbert. 

YVETTE. She is so good, our dear Mme. de Tourney. 

Julie (bringing down Gil. from up L. to L. oi Helene). And this 
is that same bright, witty, rollicking, light-hearted, lovable Gilbert, 
who — 

Gil. (making as if to put hand over Julie's mouth). Stop! stop! 
I shall be afraid to speak, if you give me such a wonderful character. 
(To Helene). I am just simple Gilbert, without any trimmings. (Alart. 
hearing, laughs to himself, up R. C with Jean). 

Helene (pats her cheek). The sunshine needs no trimmings. 



\ 



6 

Gil. I shall love you, I know it. 

Helene (smiling). I hope so, merry little Gilbert. 

Julie. Duchess, the Marquis Claude Jervois. 

Helene (studying him). Mons. le Marquis. I am pleased to know 
you. 

.Jerv. (down R. bows low, shows sort of dread of her). Your 
Grace's humble vassal (coming up to sofa R. 0. sits L. of Yvette). 

Julie. The Marquis has traveled extensively in India. 

Helene. In India? Delightful! I was born in India, and I love 
my native land. We have found a common tie already. Monsieur. 

.Jerv. (seated L. of Yvette on sofa R. C). I am most fortunate 
your Grace. 

Julie. Mj^ friend, Mons. Martin, (as he comes down from up R. 
C. to R. of Helene.) 

Helene. Ah, yes ! The dear friend of Mons. Flaroque, Mons. 
Martin, I am glad to know you 

Mart. Mile. La Duchess, I am covered with delight. Pardon 
my confusion I blush so easily 

Gil. (L. C. L. of Helene). A miracle! Mons. Martin blushes. In 
the language of Mons. Julius Caesar, "Mirabile dictu. " "Wonderful 
to tell" (all laugh.) 

Jaq. (R. with Maj). I was certain we should see your Grace this 
morning. 

Helene (crossing L. C). Indeed? In my letter I did not say 
when I should arrive. 

Jaq. But. as of old, you became the topic of conversation, and I 
naturally began watching the door for you. 

Gil. (L. C). x\nd when you were announced, Mons. Martin got 
you confounded with his patron saint. 

Martin (trying to silence her with gestures). Silence, "Simple 
Gilbert, without any trimmings'' (all laugh.) I might as well confess 
before the Countess de "Chatter-box" gives you her version of the 
story. 

GiL. Yes! plead guilty and throw yourself on the mercy of the 
court. 

Helene (seated C). If the prisoner will make a full confession he 
is forgiven in advance. 

Mart, (with manner of advocate). Well, may it please the court! 
When they spoke of the strange way in which you announced your ap- 
proach, it reminded me of an ancient saw regarding my old patron, 
Mons. the Devil; and before I knew it. up pops the sobriquet, "Mile. 
Satan." 

Helene (laughing). Well, prisoner, your patron saint, this Par- 
isian Mephisto is such a gay, dashing, debonaire Chevalier that I feel 



honored b}- your title, and shall adopt it in our own. little, select cir- 
cle while in Paris. It is so convenient. 

Martin. It is an unmerited mercy to a saucy fellow. 

Gil. See the transfig-ured face of the beautiful penitent. Confes- 
sion is so becoming- to you. Mons Martin (all laugh.) 

Jaq. (at L. U. door L. of Maj). Maj. Sapp, a word with you. (to 
company.) Excuse us, ladies. We must go to smoke. 

Mart, (points down). To smoke"? What I You're not g-oing- to 
die? (Jaq. glares at him and exits as all laugh. Julie crosses L. to 
Maj. They make eyes and Maj. exits after Jaq. Gi-1, who has come 
down and sat in chair L. looks away so as not to see it. Julie comes 
down to her. Yvette and Jean up back of Helene 0. Jerv. and Mart. 
R. C. talking.) 

Julie, Gilbert, child, what annoys you? 

Gil. Why, can't you see? Yvette is over head and ears in love 
v>rith Mons. Jervois, whom I detest! Now Mons. Martin is head over 
ears in love with her. Well, I am trying to help him in his suit. 

Julie. Yes, but what has this to do with the affair betw^een my 
brother and Mons. Martin? 

Gil. Don't you understand? Why, Mons. Jaques is desperately 
jealous of Mons. Martin 

Julie. Well I'll smooth brother Jaques' ruffled feathers while 
you pacify your future brother-in-law. These men bluster and look 
fierce and growl, but we women manage them without their know^ing it, 
(they talk in action.) 

Mart, (aside to Jean R. C). You must make all arrangements 
with Mons. Brissac's friend. Ceil! This is a nuisance. We shall 
have to postpone our trip to Pountainbleau till the day after to- 
morrow. 

Jean. Henri, how^ did you get yourself into this affair? 

Mart. Oh, I was getting out of practice. My wrist was getting 
stiff, and Mons de Brissac is a splendid fencer, you know. Oh, you 
will see some fine sword play. It will be a brilliant affair, (Jerv. 
and Yvette go up in window. ) 

Jean Excuse me Henri, (goes to Helene. ) 

Mart, (by book case, glares after Jerv. and Yvette). I believe 
that oily devil has hypnotized Yvette. I can't get a word out of her. 
I wish he was back in Thibet ! 

Helene. You left Italy so abruptly, Mons. Jean, that I feared 
we should never meet again, 

Jean. Not my fault, Mile I was called to Paris by a trouble of 
which I have never spoken to you. 

Helene (kindly). Mons. Jean a trouble is halved when shared 
with a true friend. 



i 



8 

Jean. I should have told you all. I know it was not honorable. 
But I could not find the courage. 

Helene. Well, my friend, I listen. 

Jean. *Tis this: When scarcely more than a boy, I was unfortu- 
nately married to a beautiful, but fickle and vicious woman. — the 
Marchoness Celeste Auvray. It was not a marriage of love, but one 
arranged by our parents and resulted as might have been expected. 
She was unfaithful to me and we parted. 

Helene. My poor, poor friend. But there, go on. 

Jean. That was ten years ago. Although m^ heart escaped, my 
honor was wounded. I could never discover my wronger and so wipe 
out the stain. Out of respect to her family, I never sought a divorce 
till I met you. It was to attend to the final details of that divorce that I 
left Italy so suddenly Now you know all. 

Helene. Indeed, indeed, Mon Ami I Your life has had its sor- 
rows (They converse silently ) 

YvETTE (as Jerv. starts and turns from window). Claude! Why 
did that woman, in the street yonder, glare at you so, and why did 
you start and turn away? Do you know her? 

.Jerv. (back to window) No, Yvette That is— well—. I will 
tell you, but do not let it worry you. The other day she mistook me 
for some one she had known. She is insane, I think, which makes my 
resemblance to this unknown somebody most unfortunate. 

YvETTE. How annoying. Don't let her see you. I will watch 
from here (he stands out front of alcove, in room). 

Jerv. (aside, back of Jean). Celeste! And he here. too. A 
strange coincidence. 

Helene. We missed you and hoped and waited to hear from you. 

Jean. I though it but honorable to remain silent till I was free. 
But now, at your coming, the sunshine of the Riviera beams on our 
darker North. 

Helene (smiling). Ah, Mon Ami, you should have been a Trou- 
badour of the age of Romance. 

Jean. And why not now, with such an inspiration? Since, in 
this later, colder age, the Queen of Love and Beauty is re-incarnated? 

Helene (pained). Dear friend, do not speak in a jesting mood of 
anything so sacred as incarnation. I am a believer in Bramah, you 
know, 

Jean Oh, pardon me if my words cause you pain I would de- 
vote my life to shielding you from pain 

Helene Ah, your old favorite theme, Mons. Jean 

Jean (impassioned). Pardon me, Helene! I cannot help it. I 
love you! (she tries to stop him) I know you think me a fortune 
hunter. I am not! 



9 

Helene. No. Monsieur, I do not think that, but — 

.fEAN I know nothing- of your fortunes, nor do I care to know I 
am wealthy — of the bluest blood of France, descended from the proud 
Dukes of Anjau. I am no adventurer. I love you I 

Helene (gravely but tenderly rising) Jean, my dear, g-ood 
friend. Listen, perhaps some day I may let you tell me this. I prom- 
ise you, at least, that no other man shall find me a willing- listener — 

Jean. But why not now. Helene? 

Helene. I have a sacred mission, — a vow inwoven with the very 
fibers of our ancient faith. When that vow is fulfilled I will come to 
you and say: Jean, I can listen now (gives him her hand ) 

Jean (kisses her hand). My Empress Helene I With such a hope 
could I not wait? 

HELE>fE. Till then, you shall be my good brother. 

Jean. My ang-ell (all laugh.) 

Julie (approaching L) •'Angel?" (Mart approaching R ) 

Helene (laughing looks at Mart) No, Julie. I am quite the re- 
verse. I'm '*Mlle. Satan." 

Mart. ( with mock horror) . Mercy, judge, mercy! Don't punish 
my crime by remembering it. Forgive me for comparing you to 'Old 
Nick." 

Helene. No, I like the ''Nick'* name, (all laugh. Gil crosses to 
Mart , Helene and Jean and Julie talking L ) 

Mart, (points toward window). See there, he draws her after him 
like a magnet Gilbert, can she be in love with that— that bilious 
graven image of the great First Napoleon? 

Gil. I can't understand it, Mons. Henri. When she is near him 
she seems strangely drawn to him: but. when she is away from him, the 
spell seems broken. 

Mart. Then I wish he'd go away to the North Star, and stay 
away a thousand years or so, till I could get a fair start with Yvette! 

Julie (seated below Helene L). My dear Helene, your letter was 
a, glad surprise. When we left, you told me you expected to remain 
in Italy. 

Helene (gravely). It was not your gay capitol, nor — I will be 
frank — nor even the pleasure of seeing you again: but my sacred mis- 
sion. You two are my dearest friends, and I will tell you, in confi- 
dence, the sign of our Great Master pointed me hither. 

Julie. The sign of your Great Master? I do not understand. 
Helene. dear I Ceil I You are not a Nihilist? 

Helene (laughs, then more gravely). Me? No, Ma Chere. What 
an ideal I mean Brahma, the Divine Master of our holy faith of 
India. 



10 

Jean (standing- L of Helene's chair). But how could that bring 
you hither? 

Helene. I will tell you. I have a sacred and sworn duty— a mis- 
sion that dominates my very existence. Till that is accomplished, it 
must be the one object, aim and purpose of my life. There, don't look 
so troubled and frightened. It has no political significance: but is 
solely connected with our ancient faith. 

Jean. Still, you have not answered our question. 

Helene. I will tell you both, trusting to your love. Julie and 
Jean. There, sister, you know the secret of my heart, (puts her hands 
in theirs) trusting that you will not breathe w^hat I am about to tell 
you to a living soul. The great Mahatmahs of India, the Holy Ones, 
bade us go to Italy. While there, the sign appeared to us. and we 
were bidden to come here; and I have a strange presentiment that 
here, in Paris, our mission will end. Then, my holy vow fulfilled, I 
shall be free (sees Mart C). Hush I 

Mart, (approaching with Gil). You two are monopolizing the 
honored guest of the occasion. I want to redeem myself for my rude- 
ness to the Duchess. 

Helene (rising). No. Monsieur, not Duchess while in Paris. I 
have accepted your christening and am "'M'lle Satan.'" Call me any- 
thing else and I withdraw my pardon. 

Mart, (bowing). Oh, if his naughty Majesty were half as charm- 
ing, I fear there would be no saints left shortly I 

Gil. OhI He has said something complimentary. I fear he is 
going insane, (all laugh). (Aside to him) I'll go and spoil that tate- 
tate for you (she joins Yvette and Jerv. at window.) 

Mart, (as Jaq. and Maj. re-enter D. L. 2). Has our wild-eyed 
poet here sung you a ballad to your glove-buttons yet? Since his re- 
turn from Italy, he has done nothing but sing your praises. 

Helene (smiling, going to seat C). 'Twas ever thus. The jester 
mocks the Troubadour (sitsC.) 

Mart. (R. C). Oh, these poets I I knew one once, an honest, out- 
at-elbows fellow. The odes he made he sold for gold, and what he 
ow^ed he paid. 

Julie. Silence, vandal! Cease annoying your friend. 

Mart. Oh, the thread-bare poet was not Jean. THAT poor fel- 
low HAD to write poetry for BREAD. HE was PARDONABLE. 
But Jean has no such excuse. Think of a poet with a title and a coat 
of arms (bombastic.) "An Eagle sable surmounted by a Lion ord!" 

Helene (starts to her feet excited). HeavensI A lionl An 
eaglel (all up. ) 

Julie (down L). Helene, dear, what is it? (all show alarm.) 

Jean. (L of her, starts to her). Are vou ill?. 



11 

Helene (puts up her hand). Oh, don't heed it! *Tis nothing-. 
(Aside) Heavens I It cannot be I 

Julie (crosses up to her L). Are you ill? Are you faint, Helene? 

Helene (controlling herself). There, only a passing faintness. 
The journey — the fatigue. 

Mart. What have I done? Have I offended you? 

Helene. No, no, ray friend. It is over now (closes eyes.) Ah- 
deeb, come to me. 

.Julie. Ahdeeb? 

Helene. Yes. I have called him. Can I see him alone, when he 
comes. 

Julie. Yes, dear. Have you sent for him? 

Helene. I have called him. If he were in another country he 
would hear my summons and come to me. This seems strange to you; 
but we who know the mysteries of the East think nothing of it. 

Jekv. (down R). Yes. I know. The telepathy of India. Do you 
believe this? 

Helene. You have lived in India. Can you doubt it? 

.Terv. I simply doubt it until I know. What proofs have you? 

Helene. Our own experience. What proofs have you that the 
electric telegraph is not a myth? Yet we, of the Inner Mysteries, com- 
municate as easily, and through the agency of mind alone. But you 
shall see. 

Maj. (L. by Jaques). WhatI You mean to say — Great ScottI I 
pass. I beg your pardon, ma'am. But that beats Yankee ingenuity 
all holler. 

Jerv. (smiles sarcastically). Well. I'm open to conviction when 
I see the proofs. 

Helene. You shall have the proofs, Mons. Jervois, (closes her 
eyes.) Ahdeeb, you shall name these guests of Mme. de Tourney,) 
opens eyes to Jerv.) Will that convince you, Mons. le Marquis? 

Jerv Most certainly, your Grace. 

Servant (at door L. F). Mons. Ahdeeb Dahnmoot, secretary of 
the Duchess Torgoffski. 

Ahdeeb (in door way, to Helene, all surprised). My queen, you 
called me (kisses her hand and puts it to heart and brow.) 

YVETTE (aside to Gil. R. C). Wonderful! 

Gil (aside to her). I'm half afraid. 

Ahd. (bows to them, crosses R. C). Mile. Mourant, you and 
your sister, Gilbert, have no cause for fear. Ah, Marquis Claude 
Jervois, you have lived in India, and yet doubt. Are you yet con- 
vinced? 

Jerv. (annoyed, bows). Yes. Mons. Ahdeeb. Pardon my skep- 
ticism. 



12 

Ahdeeb. I forgive your lack of faith fturns and sees Mart). Ah. 
Mons. Henri Martin, your servant (shalces hands.) 

Mart, (amazed). Mons. Ahdeebl (Ahd. crosses L. C.) This is 
wonderful. 

Maj. (L. by Jaques), Well, that beats my time (gives hand.) 
How are you. Mr. Ahdeeb. 

Ahd. Ah, Major Sapp, (turns L. and meets Jaq.) and Mons. de 
Brissac, too? Messrs. this is a pleasure! 

Jaques (shaking- hands). Welcome to Paris, Mons. Ahbeeb. 

Ahd. (to Mme. de T., R. of Jaq). Your pardon Mme. de Tourney, 
I come an unbidden guest. 

Mme. Julie (giving hand). But none the less welcome. An un- 
expected blessing is a most agreeable surprise. 

Ahd. (kisses her hand). Ah, Madame, yours is the true courtesy; 
the courtesy of kindness, not of form (to Jean. ) Mons Flaroque (give 
hand). 

Jean. I am glad that the Duchess and yourself have paid us a 
visit. 

Ahd. Thanks, Monsieur (going up L. O. to Helene). T await 
your bidding (up L.) (Bugle call heard in street, off R. U.) 

Gil. (at window). Oh, lookl lookl Here come the Hussars, and 
with them the General. The hero of the hour I Quickl Everybody I 
(Yvette, Jerv., Mart., Maj., and Jaques go the window.) 

Julie (crossing R). Come, you must see our latest Parisian lion I 

Helene (hurriedly). No! Go, Julie, and take him, (Jean) with 
you. I must speak to Ahdeeb alone. 

Julie (to Jean). Come. Mosieur. They will join us presently (they 
join group at window.) 

Ahd. (coming down L. of Helene). My Queen, your servant waits. 
Why did you call me. 

Helene (excited). Ahdeeb. the spirit of your murdered father 
came to you and told you that w^hen we had found the Accursed One we 
should know it by a sign. What was that sign? 

Ahd. (reverently). "He who hath done the deed of darkness and 
of blood, shall be found when the golden lion and the black eagle 
shall meetl"' 

Helene ( staggers and clutches at him for support. He supports 
her). Ah! 

Ahd. (surprised). What is the matter? 

Helene (trembling). Ahdeeb. the lion and the eagle have met. 

Ahd. When?— Where? 

Helene (in agony). Oh, Heavens I Must I do this? Can I tell 
him? 

Ahd. (firmly). I am your slave: but. mark me. I charge you I 



I 



13 

Remember your awful oath I 

Helene (offers to kneel at his feet). Oh, Ahdeeb, spare me! 

Ahd. (raising- her). Oh, if I could! But would the Divine Trinity 
spare us if we were perjured and foresworn? WHO IS THE MAN? 

Helene (faintly, in despair). Jean Flaroque. 

Ahd. (astonished, then in deep sympathy). What? Oh my poor, 
poor lady. 

Helene (looks up with looks of helpless agony). Ahdeeb! 

Ahd. Oh, my Queen, I suffer in your pain. I know all: you love 
him. 

Helene (half wildly ). Love him, Ahdeeb? Oh, Heaven! I — 

Ahd. There is a gulf of blood between you that you may not 
cross. But, stay. How do you know this? You may be wrong. 

Helene. On his coat of arms are the golden lion and the black 
eagle. 

Ahd. (firmly). He is the man! 

Helene (in despair). No hope! No hope! 

Ahd. No, Lady. The dread prophesy is fulfilled. This is the 
beginning of the end. Let us go. 

Helene (starts up fiercely). No, I will see! I will know if it is 
he. 

Ahd. Hush! What would you do? Control yourself. (Seats 
her on sofa up C. Others come down from window. Jaques and Maj. 
cross down L., also Jean down extreme L. Julie back of Helene and 
Yvette, and Gil R. of her. Mart. R near book case, or near sofa R. 
Jerv. down R., Ahd. back of Helene and little to her L. ) (N. B. — 
This scena between Helene and Ahd. must be intense, but at the same 
time show that they are not letting the company see anything to at- 
ract attention. It is as if ''ASIDE.") 

Gil. Oh, you missed it all! It was a splendid sight, too! 

Mart. How the sight of a bit of gold lace will dazzle the eyes of 
a young demoselle (all laugh.) 

Gil. Oh, hear! The oracle hath spoken! Why, you overgrown 
child you. Girls are not so easily dazzled as you think. Infant! (all 
laugh. ) 

Mart. Why, girls are like young robins, who open their mouths 
and shut their eyes and swallow anything, from a sugar plum to a 
tack ( all laugh. ) 

Gil. Oh, slanderer! Magpie! 

Helene (composedly ). Ahdeeb and I were so occupied with im- 
portant business that we missed one of the sights of your grand Paris. 
I love the sight of soldiers. My ancestors were soldiers, and my early 
childhood in India was passed among the garrisons. 

Jaq. What, among the English officers? Ah. grand fellows, they 



i 



u 

are. too. One in particular was a dear friend of mine. Col. Sir 
George Paget. (.Jean shows no emotion, but Jerv. unnoticed by any- 
one, starts.) 

Helene (half rising). Ah. 

Ahd (touches her shoulder, as if by accident). Take care. 

Jaq. Poor fellow, he fell in the Sepoy rebellion. 

Helene (fiercely, rising). No, he was murdered. (All surprised, 
.Jerv. uneasy.) 

Jaq. Murdered? Did you know him? 

Helene Yes, he — (Ahd. touches hand or warns her.) He was a 
friend of my mother's family. 

Jaq. And you say he was murdered. By whom? A Hindoo? 

Helen (watching Jean, who is unmoved). He and his friend and 
companion, a Hindoo of high caste, one of the highest and holiest of 
the Brahmins, Rahm Dlee, were murdered — foully murdered— byj.a 
white man who was robbing a hoh' shrine. 

Jerv, (greatly excited). How do you know this? (Ahd. watching 
both Jean and Jerv. now. i 

Helene. I know it. Tnat is all I may tell you now. This rob- 
ber, surprised in his crime, strangled Col Paget with the cord of Kali, 
and afterwards stabbed Rahm Dlee. who had come to his friend's 
rescue. 

Jaq. But was this wretch never caught? 

Helene. No, Monsieur. He escaped, unexpected, at the time: 
but the end was not yet. A fate more awful than any human justice 
shall overtake him at the last. 

.Jerv. (intense, supreme excitement). What fate can overtake him 
after all these years, and in another land? 

Ahd. (with prophetic power). You would know the fearful doom 
that waits him who has slain a holy one and desecrated our sacred 
shrines? He shall live in fear and horror, haunted by his crime: and 
at the beginning of the end the sign of Siva, the destroyer, shall ap- 
pear to him in fire, and from that hour shall drive him to madness and 
tc» death. 

Jerv. (desperately). Bah I I laugh at your myths and fables of 
the East. Your cheating, priest-craft tricks to terrify — (sees sign of 
Siva appear over D. L F.) Ahl (stands appalled. Ahd. follows his 
gaze, sees sign.) 

Ahd. The sign of Siva I (kneels low to it. Jerv. gives gurgling- 
cry and falls on face, C. toward sign.) 

HELEN'S (standing over him triumphant, points to sign). Behold 
the beginning of the end I (PICTURE. CURTAIN.). 

GOORLAH OR SERVANT RING CURTAIN. 



15 



ACT II. 

SCENTE 1. — Handsome Hindoo interior prop, with scrim C. for vision 
in 2. Stand with deep cloth to floor, trick rise behind and large 
Indian urn on it L. of scrim and against or near drop for entrance 
of Rahm. Trick opening in drop for same back of scrim, in 3 tab 
drop to represent interior of temple of the Brahmins, with stone 
Aving R. for Jerv. to hide behind. Chair R. of scrim near Tor, 
wing, for Helene. 16 bars Grand Indian March from opera of 
L'Africane (somber music). 

GoORLAH (discovered looking off L. 1). Oh, my beautiful I My 
gazelle I Will you never smile again? Why has the light gone from 
your beautiful eyes, my queen, heart of my life? I know, my fawn, 
you loved him. You loved him I Aye, as the lotus of our own far-off 
India loves the kiss of the bright sun and turns its glad face toward 
its smile. Savitra! why did you drive him from you? To him your 
sigh was like the breath of jassamine. Your voice like the "Bul-bul's" 
song. Vishnu keep thee, pearl of my heart I 

Ahdeeb (entering R. 1). What ails thee, Goorlah? 

GooRLAH (kneels to himj. Great Master of the Holy Secrets. 

Ahd. Rise Goorlah (she obeys). Tell me, what has happened? 

Goorlah. Oh, my queen! Our lady ! It is for her I moan. Oh, 
Ahdeeb Dahnmootl You are wise. Tell me, my master, why are her 
eyes dim? Why is her heart sad? She drove him from her, and then 
her heart scood still. 

Ahd. (much moved. ) Oh, Vishnu shield her from this pain. Does 
she still grieve in silence? Has she eaten? Has she slept? 

Goorlah. No food, no rest. Nothing but tearless silence, as she 
walks the floor, so troubled that I tremble for her reason and her life. 

Ahd. Tell her a brother's heart aches for a sister's pain. Say 
that I wait in patience till she comes to me. 

Goorlah (going L.) I go, master, ff she will but talk to you, 
'twill do her good. I know it! (Exit L.) 

Ahd. What a strange thing is life. How the lines of joy and 
sorrow cross and tangle. How love and hate twine like strands into 
one cord of life. My queen, this pain that wraps you, twines like a 
python round my heart, crushing it in its folds. I have been your pro- 
tector, your companion, your brother in our holy mysteries. Our 
hearts have always spoken to each other, even when far apart. Why 
should not my heart bleed with yours now? (Helene enters L. 1, in 
silence. He kneels.) My Empress! Why do you grieve so? 

Helene. Oh. Ahdeeb? Why did Karmah plant love here, where 



16 

it should have planted hate? Why has Heaven doomed me to love hhn 
whom I have sworn to destroy? 

Ahd. No, you but follow the Divine commands. Siva will de- 
stroy (seats her R. ) 

Selene. I see no difference in the treacherous hand tnat leads 
the victim to his fate and the cruel hand that slays. 

Ahd. (raises hand). Hush I Great Siva is not cruel. He is just. 
Think of the awful crime. 

Helene. 1 can think of naug-ht but him. Tell me. Ahdeeb. what 
proofs you have that a white man did this? 

Ahd. The temple had been robbed. No Hindoo would have dared 
do that. Next, your father was strangled w^ith the cord of Kali, as the 
thugs of India kill their victims, but it was not the skilled hand of a 
thug that threw that cord. 'Twas badly thrown, and the assassin 
seized his victim's throat with his hands, and left on it the coloring he 
had used to make his skin dark, like my race. And then the knife with 
which he killed the Holy Rahm Dlee, was not made in India, but in 
Europe. The wretch who did that crime was from France. 

Helene. How could you know that? 

Ahd. The thug's cord is weighted at the end with a bronze head 
of Kali, their Goddess of murder. The cord he used did not have that 
head, but a paper weight, made of cannon bronze and shaped like the 
hat of the great French conqueror. Napoleon, and bore the words, 
''D'Austerlitz.'' The dagger with which he killed Rahm Dlee broke 
off, leaving the blade in my father's breast; and the murderer threw 
down the useless handle. Here it is (shows it.) See, on it the French 
eagle, grasping the thunderbolt. 

Helene. True, true I The eagle 1 That reminds me. Tell me of 
the prophesy of the lion and the eagle. 

Ahd. Nine years after that crime|was done, a trinity of trinities 
of years, my father's spirit came to me and told me he had been mur- 
dered, and that when the black eagle and the golden lion shall meet, 
the accursed one will have been found. They have met 

Helene. Jean, Jean, would I could save youl Is there no hope? 
Oh, Ahdeeb, might it not be Jervois alone? 

Ahd. No, it is in the other that the prophesy is complete. But 
Jervois' terror shows he too is guilty. 

Helene. But Jean Flaroque! Oh Ahdeeb, I love him so. Oh, 
friend, brother, spare me (kneeling to him. ) Do not make me the in- 
strument of Siva's vengeance. 

Ahd. It is not I, but Heaven that has given you this sacred mis- 
sion. I, like you, am but its humble instrument. 

Helene. But, oh, Ahdeeb, the cruelty of it To make me the ruin 
of the heart that loves me and that I love. A woman's holv love is 



i 









17 

her life, her hope, her heaven, her all. I cannot! I cannot I 

Ahd. Remember your sacred vow. This is no holy love that 
comes between you and your solemn oath, — that rises as a shield be- 
tween the justice of Heaven and the cowering- wretch whose hands are 
red with the blood of your own father. 

Helene, Ahdeeb, with all your wisdom do you not know in all 
the universe there's no philosophy profound enoug-h to sound the deep 
mystery of a woman's heart? 

Ahd. And it is deeper than the Eternal Truth. Heaven's justice on 
the guilty is the divine mercy that protects the innocent and marks the 
line between the right and wrong. Against this misguided love I set 
your awful oath, our holy faith, the life of him from whom your own 
life sprung. All that is summed in that most sacred w^ord: duty. 

Helene (starts up). Ahdeeb DahmootI Have you one reason of 
your own to hate this man"? Have I been wrong in giving you a 
sister's love? 

Ahd. (jjained, but dignified, folded arms). What I Can you doubt 
me, lady? I read between your words. Did I not i-ejoice that your 
heart had found a joy in his love, and was I not his friend till I 
learned the awful truth? Lady, you have wronged a brother's love. 
How gladly would I give my life to make him, whom you love, inno- 
cent of that awful sin I Cut when my holy task is ended, you will see 
me no more. I will go back to our sacred shrines in the bright land 
of the Lotus — 

H'^LENB (deeply moved). Oh, Ahdeeb! Playmate of my child- 
hood, my guide and my protector. Do not leave me ! Friend and 
brother as you have always been, forgive my cruel, angry words I 

Ahd. (kindly but sadly takes her hands in his.) You could not so 
wrong me, sister, but that it forgiven ere it is done. I am not angry. 
You are, as Brahma created you. a woman with a woman's one weak- 
ness : her heart. 

Helene (still clinging to his hand). You pardon me. Brother 
Ahdeeb 1 And you will not leave me? 

Ahd. (sad but firm. ) I am a Brahmin! My life belongs to our 
Holy Faith, and I must go. It is the call of duty. But you shall not 
be alone, my sister. If our lives are worthy, at your call, though 
oceans divide us, Aye, though we dwelt apart in different stars, Ah- 
deeb Dahnmoot would stand before you, as of old. 

Hblrne. But I shall miss you so! You who were always near 
me. But tell me ! Is there no way that we may know, beyond all 
doubt, if it were he ? 

Ahd. Yes, lady ! That is why I sent to ask this interview. .Just 
twenty-seven years ago tonight that crime was done. Tonight, then, 
is the mystic number of the Divine Three, Brahma, Vishnu, Siva. 



i 



18 

It is thrice a trinity of trinities of years. Tonig-ht I may call the 
spirit of my father, the holy Rahm Dlee. He will show me the vision 
of the awful deed, wherein the astral bodies of those three shall live 
over that fatal scene. I shall see the face of him who did this thing. 
Leave me now. I alone may look upon this sight. If there is hope — 
if I may know that it was not he — I will come to you. 

Helene (takes his hand). Oh, Ahdeeb I Brother! Friend! I 
feel my hopes are yours. Heaven grant they may be true ! 

Ahd. (holds her hands to his breast, then to his brow). I hope 
so too, for your dear sake, my Empress Helene. (She exits L. 1). 
Poor girl I Poor child ! She was my little play-fellow. For the first 
time in all my life, I tremble to draw back the curtains of the Sacred 
Mysteries, and to unveil the past. Tremble, not for myself, but for 
thy aching heart, Helene. Oh, Vishnu I If she cannot be spared this 
suffering — if it is the bitter truth — give her the strength to bear it and 
stand firm in our ancient, holy faith. (Takes phial from his breast, 
pours it on contents of jar. white smoke, dense, rises.) Hear- me. oh 
Brahma ! Hear me. oh Vishnu ! Hear me, oh Siva ! For the fulfill- 
ment of your dread commands. I pray open the gates of silence, that 
my father, the holy Rahm Dlee, may come forth, and make Ahdeeb 
Dahnmoot thy servant, wise to do your awful bidding. Father I Rahm 
Dlee I Thy son calls to thee I From the Silence, the Darkness and 
the Mystery of Death and Sleep, come forth. (Stage has darkened 
gradually. Rahm Dlee rises out of the smoke of the urn. Ahd. pros- 
trates himself before him.) 

Rahm Dlee. Ahdeeb Dahnmoot, thy life is pure and holy in our 
holy faith. Thy voice has reached me in Xervanna. What would you 
ask of me. my son? 

Ahd. Holy Rahm Dlee, thy son would see that dark page of the 
past, that he may know the one accurst of the Great Trinity of India. 

Rahm Dlee. Wat<ih and keep silence. Thou shalt see the past. 
Then be thou faithful to thy holy vow. my son. (stage very dark. 
Rahm Dlee sinks and fades. ) 

Ahd. As on the shores of the sacred Ganges the passing tiger 
leaves his footprints on the sands, so on the shores of time the bloody 
feet of men have left their trail of crime. Oh, Divine Three, turn back 
the pages of the book of time that I may see the deed without a name. 
(Vision gradually lit up at back, showing interior of Brahmin temple. 
Jerv. disguised as Hindoo priest, with heavy beard to cover much of 
face, discovered C., putting jewels in sack. ) 

Jerv. (chuckling). Ha, ha, ha! WhatlucR! These Hindoo dogs 
are fools. Disguised as the old priest, Sabool Mahnglee, it was but 
boy's play to enter here and strip the temple of its treasures. Now 
once safely out of India and the poor, thievish dog of a camp-follower 



19 

has Avealth and power and the world at his feet. Hark, what was that? 
(hides R. behind wing- as Sir George Paget enters R.) 

Sir George (Jean Flaroque doubles). What is this? Some van- 
dal has been robbing this temple. My god, these Hindoos enraged at 
this— (Jerv. throws cord around his neck and tightens it. Sir George 
struggles to tear off cord, gasps, staggers, falls L. C. Jerv. springs 
on him. holding his throat. Draws dagger. Rahm Dlee enters R, 
seeing it.) 

Rahm Dlee. Hold, thou man of blood 1 What would you do? 

Jera\ (springing on him.) Dog of a Hindoo, die! Tstabs hmi and 
throws him L. ) 

Rahm Dlee (slowly rises as he speaks). You have slain one of 
the highest priests of Brahma. One word of mine could strike you 
dead, but that were too merciful to you. It would not fill the measure 
of Siva's dread vengeance on one who has done the crime beyond all 
name. When the beginning of the end shall come the fiery Sign of 
Siva shall burn before you. and from that hour it shall haunt and 
hound you to your doom. At the feast, in the gardens, amid the 
throng or in the silent darkness and alone, ever, always, it shall rise 
before you. It shall blind you with its balefnl light. That you may 
know that sig-n. that it may burn into your brain and be stamped like 
a scorching brand upon your memory — that all Mahatmas may know 
you as the thing accurst, I place the burning brand of Siva on your 
brows: and you may live in fear and horror till the eyes of two of the 
Inner Circle of the Sacred Mysteries shall behold upon your forehead 
this sign of heaven's curse. « He throws the sign as a scar on Jerv. 's 
forehead. .Jerv. gives cry of horror and presses his hands to his head 
(to produce scar.) and shrinks down, cow^ering with fear. Rahm Dlee 
gasps, staggers, sinks on body of Sir George. Jerv. with trembling- 
fingers clutches sack of jewels and staggers off R. Vision fades, 
stage dark, urn and table vanish through scene in darkness. Ahd. 
falls forward on face as in a swoon then gradually recovering, rises, i 

Ahd. Oh Vishnu! Great Preserver! Can such things be. be- 
neath thine a.wi\il eye? My heart stands still ! I am numb with hor- 
ror! Oh. Great Siva, spare not; but smite! smite! My vow! My 
vow! I shall not forget! I shall not spare! I could not know his 
face, save by the mark. Could it have been the face of Jean Flaroque? 
I could not tel] ! Poor Helene ! I could not tell ! (dejected, exits 
L. 1. Change of scene, to scene 2 < 

Act II. Scene 2. — Handsome boudoir, with curtained doors L. 2. 
French window curtained. R. 2 opening on 2nd story balcony 
backed by top of night street. (Moonlight effect through window.) 
Curtained doors up C. with trick curtains to draw wide open with 



20 

cord arrang-ement from behind, and backed by larg-e pier glass, to 
slide out of frame, leaving backing for double of Jerv. and space 
for him to fall. Sofa L. C. above 2. Helene L. and Julie R. on 
sofa. Maj standing R of Julie. Martin on large chair R near 
window. Ladies with hats and wraps on, as if on their w^ay from 
the opera. Gents in full dress with crush hats and light overcoats. 

Julie. I am so worried about you my dear friend. 

YVETTE (near sofa, R. of Julie). And we miss you sol We just 
had to keep coming to see if you were going to desert us entirely. 

Gil. (drops L. of Helene on hassock ) Oh, you must get well and 
come back to us, dear M'lle Satan. I like you so I 

Helene (caressing her hair). Dear little Gilbert! You carry so 
much sunshine of your own, that it shines into the windows of all our 
hearts when you pass by. 

Gil Well, I'll come here and just stand round and shine. 

Maj Oh, she's a regular electric light to shine 

Martin (R ) Yes! She's noted for her "Shines." 

Gil. (back of Julie). Well, you're not remarkable for "bril- 
liancy " 

YVETTE (by Maj.) We want you to enjoy our beautiful, bright 
Paris with us ; and so much is going on that you are missing. 

Julie. Yes ! I so wanted you to go with us tonight. We went 
to the opera ; and then, afterwards, we were the Major's g-uests to 
supper He is such an ideal host, Helene. 

Maj All a matter of locality. Ma'am. I'm from Virg-inia ; and 
a Virginian is never so happy as when he is entertaining his guests. 

Julie I can believe that, Major Sapp. Your Southern hospi- 
tality is world-famous. 

Maj. But, Ma'am! It isn't every day that one gets to play the 
host to a covey of angels. (All laugh. ) 

Gil (curtsies, puts hand on Julie's head. ) Here's where you bow. 
(Martin rises and bows.) Sit down! You! Whoever heard of a 
man-angel? 

Martin (sits down.) What do you know about angels, any way? 

Gil. (R. C. with Yvettee.) Pretty you'd look sitting on a damp 
cloud, fumigating your wings with cigarette smoke ! 

Helene. Did you enjoy the opera? 

Julie. Oh, it was charming ! I wish you could have heard the 
prima donna ! 

Mart. Ohl That prima donna ! (Imitates her.) And that girl 
with the green legs! (Gil. throws cushion at him. He dodges.) 
Socks, I mean. 

Gil. Wretch ! 



21 

Mart. No she wasn't! And the lady with the red— (Gil. threat- 
ens him) under-pinning. How she danced the fandango I (fmitates 
with crush hat for tamborine. Hurts arm.) Ouch! 

Gil. Good enough for you ! 

YVETTE. Why. Gilbert ! I am surprised at you. 

Gil. That's nothing new. 

Helene. Didn't Mons. .Jaques go with you tonight y 

.TuLiE. He was detained at the bank. A meeting of directors ov 
something. 

Maj. Yes! Mons. Martin and I tried to coax him along: but 
he's mighty firm "bout business. 

Julie. And you were both inconsolable. I'm almost jealous of 
Brother Jaques, Major. 

Maj. And so am I, Ma'am! Ah. he's a splendid fellow! You 
should be proud of such a brother. 

Julie. I am. Maj. Sapp. 

Maj. You're right. Ma'am! I should be. 

Julie (smiles at him archly). \Vould you";' 

Maj. (confused but pleased). Delighted. Ma'am! I — that is — of 
course — (all laugh, Maj. crosses R. and to window.) 

Julie i to Helene). Have you seen Mons. Fiaroque of late'? 

Helene (sighs). No. Not since I met him at your house. 

Julie (aside to her). Poor fellow! He has forsaken us. What 
have you said to him. Helene"? 

Helene. What ! I ? Why. nothing. Nothing at all. 

Julie. "Nothing! Nothing at all!" Ah, dear! These lovers* 
quarrels. Don't let some trifle ruin your happiness. 

Helene (troubled, aside to Julie). Hush, dear! I will tell you 
all sometime. 

.Julie. Oh ! I have a terrible piece of news to tell you. But. 
perhaps I'd better not. You are ill and nerA^ous. 

Helene (eagerly). No! No! I am better now. Tell me. What 
is it? 

.Julie. Well, as we were entering the carriage, after supper, who 
should come up but Mons. Jervois. 

HJELENTE. Jervois! Yes! And what then? 

Julie. You know he holds a high position in the department of 
the secret police. He told us there had been a murder in the Latin 
Qu artier. 

Helene A murder'? 

Julie. Yes. A M 'me Celeste Fiaroque — 

Helene. Celeste Fiaroque! What! Not the— 

Julie. Former wife of Mons. .Jean? Yes! 

Helene. Heavens! Who did it? 



22 

Julie. He did not say. But he asked if we had seen Mons. 
Flaroque. Oh, these men are so stupid! Of course I put two and two 
together and knew at once that he suspected him. 

Helene (starts up, suppressed excitement). My God! This is 
terrible! It was not he! 

Julie. Of course not, my dear! There! I did wrong to tell you. 
You are so ill. Forgive me, darling! It was only my surmise after 
all. I'm so sorry I mentioned it. 

Helene (taking her hand). No! My dear Julie, I'm glad you 
told me! I am so thankful to you! If he is in danger, I should 
know it! 

Julie (aside to her). You love him still, then? 

Helene (aside in agony). Yes, Julie, I do! Heaven help me! 

Julie (aside to her). Poor child! I know! You want to be 
alone! (Aloud) It is late and we must go home. 

Gil. (looks at Martin, who is nodding). Yes I Before this great 
baby falls asleep! 

Mart, (opens eyes). We'll just have time for a nap before break- 
fast. 

Gil. Oh! And he's just supped! What an awful appetite! 

Mart, (helping Yvette with her cloak). Thou destroyer of bon 
bons! 

Gil. Silence! Baron Chew-Chaw from Hungary. 

Maj. (helping Julie). Allow me, Ma'am! 

Julie. Major, you are so gallant! 

Maj. No credit to me, ma'am! You are so mighty charming! 

Julie. Ah, Major! (to Helene). Goodbye, dear. Don't worry 
over what I said. It was only my surmise. Good bye, dear! (kisses 
her.) 

YvETTE (R. of Helene C). Good night! Get well now! 

Helene (going R. with others). I'll try. 

Gil. If you are not better tomorrow, I am coming to be your 
companion. 

Maj. Good night. Ma'am! I hope you are better in the m_orning. 

Helene. Thank you, Maj. Sapp! I hope so, too. 

Mart (at R. 1 E). M'lle Satan, Au Rivour! (all bidding good 
night at once and exeunt R. 1 E., leaving Helene alone, looking off 
after them. ) 

Helene. ''Better tomorrow!'' (turns up C). Oh! If they but 
knew the burden at my heart! Oh, Jean! Jean! Ah! He is suspected! 
suspected of the murder of her who was his wife! They will construe 
his strange manner, since I refused to see him, into brooding over this 
crime. Every night he has come to look up at my window I saw him. 



f3 

this man":' My Heaven 1 What if he should be there nowl And they 
searching for him ! (rushes to window.) Yes! A man standing yon- 
der, in the shadow of that arch. Can it be he? (calls softly) — Jean! 

Jean (out R). Helenel 

Helene (with suppressed excitement and caution). Come up here, 
quick! By the side door! There! (R. 1, turns into room.) Oh. what 
can I say to him when he comes? (crosses L. C.) 

Jean (enters R 1, stands R. C). Your Grace! 

Helene. Oh, Jean!— Mons. Flaroque! Pardon me! Do you not 
know that Celeste, your former wife, has been murdered tonight? 

Jean (astounded). Celeste? Murdered! My God! 

Helene. Yes. and Jervois has been searching for you! He sus- 
pects you! 

Jean. Murdered! I can't believe it! I saw her — T was there to- 
night ! 

Helene (appalled). You? There? Tonight! 

Jean. Yes, I went there to give her sufficient property to place 
her above want and the necessity of sinning from poverty. 

Helene. Oh. Jean! Your presence there will ruin you! You 
are lost! 

Jean (with fervor). I swear to you. Helene. by all I hold dearest 
and holiest! — I swear by my love of you, Helene! I am not guilty! 

Helene. How can I believe you now, knowing your hands are al- 
ready red with innocent blood? 

Jean. You do not believe that, Helene! 

Helene. Not believe it ! (laughs bitterly). Ha. ha. ha! Why 
should I not give you up to justice. 

Jean (folds arms). Call them! I am ready! 

Helene. My oath! My sacred oath! And yet— Oh. God ! I love 
this man. 

Jean (starts toward her). Helene! 

Helene (waves him back). Away! Yes! I own it to my shame! 
I love you .Jean Flaroque! But I would die a thousand deaths ere I 
would spare you from a single pang of your aw^ul fate! 

Jean (gloomily). I care not what fate awaits me, if you but un- 
say those cruel words. How have I wronged you that you shrink 
from me as from a poisoned thing I 

Helene (with tragic power). Aye! Poisoned by the darkest 
crime that ever tore two hearts asunder I 

Jean. What have I done? 

Helene (fiercely). What! Oh, hypocrite! Fiend! What have 
you done ? You murdered Sir George Paget, my own father. 

Jean. 1? Murdered? Are you mad? 

Helene (in an agony of despair). Mad? I wish I were I Then 



24 

there mig-ht be hope that I should waken, at last, from that long", living- 
nig-ht-mare and find it but an awful dream. No I You killed him and 
his friend, the holy Rahm Dlee. 

Jean. I? When? Where? 

Helene. Jean Flaroque, you cannot deceive me I You cannot 
cheat Heaven I Twenty-seven years ago tonight you slew them both in 
the temple of Pushkara, in Rajputana, India 

Jean. My God ! Helene ! Have you lost your reason? I never 
was in India. 

Helene (studying his face). You never were in India? 

Jean. Never ! And more, twenty-seven years ago I was but a 
child, five years old. Can you not see it is impossible? 

Helene (with a gleam of hope). Oh. Heaven! If this could only 
be true. 

.Jean. It is! I can give you the most ample proofs. M"me 
de Tourney and her brother, Jaques, have known me from my boy- 
hood ; and they can prove both facts. 

Helene (going to him, looks him in the eyes, puts back the hair 
from his forehead). Oh, Jean! My king ! If you but knew how my 
heart is breaking to know that you were innocent of that crime. 

Jean. Helene ! Can you not see that it is impossible that I 
should be guilty ? 

Helene (triumphantly). Yes! I see the glad truth shining in 
your eyes. It was not — it could not have been you. Thank Heaven I 
Thank Heaven ! (Weeps in his arms. ) 

Jean. Oh, Helene ! To feel that you believe me — love me. To 
hold you in my arms. I can face all the world. 

Helene (starts up wildly). I had forgotten. They are searching 
for you. You must not leave this room to-night. 

Jean. What! Remain here? In your boudoir? Think. Helene. 
your honor? 

Helene (clinging to him). I can think only of your innocence— 
your life, my Jean. 

Jean. Tomorrow all Paris would say that the proud Duchess 
Torgoffski's lover passed the night with her alone. Your fair name 
would be ruined. No, Helene I I must — I will go. 

Helene (wildly, still clinging to him). No, Jean! No! Would 
you rush to your own ruin? 

Jean (trying to free himself). Helene! The coward who would 
purchase safety at the cost of a noblewoman's good name, is unworthy 
of her — unworthy the name of man. 

Helene. Jean, you shall hear me. To us, whose throbbing life 
is born under the fierce sun of India, our love is our all. You risk 
my life in risking yours. 



25 

Jean. But the World — 

Helene. I care not what the world may say. Jean, so long- as 
you know I am pure and true. You shall stay here tonlofht. I will 
risk all for you. 

Jean (clasping- her fondly to his heart). Helene! My Angel? 
For your sake I cannot — must not stay. 

Helene (clinging- to him in despair). Jean! Jean! 

Ahdeeb (enters R. 1, stands firmly). Your Oath! Your Oath! 
Have you forg-otten it? 

Helene ( crosses to Ahd. ) Oh, Ahdeeb. hear me! There has 
been a murder and he is suspected of it. 

Ahd. (coldly, with folded arms). I am not surprised. 

Helene. Ahdeeb! Brother! You are so cruel. 

Ahd. No! I am just! 

Helene (wildly. ) Hear me? 

Ahd. Go on. 

Helene. Even now, Jervois is on his track ! 

Ahd. Jervois ! Yes ! 

Helene. They would seize him ! 

Ahd (coolly). I know it. 

Helene (surprised). You'? 

Ahd. Yes . 

Helene. He must not — he shall not go out from this room! 

Ahd. (coldly). I saw him enter here. So did Jervois and the 
gens d 'armes (points toward window. ) They are watching yonder. 

Helene (springs to window and closes curtains). Oh, Jean! You 
shall not go there ! 

Ahd. I will save him! 

Helene and Jean. You? 

Ahd. Yes ! He must be hidden here. 

Helene (amazed, aside to Ahd). And you Avill save him from 
Jervois, Ahdeeb? 

Ahd, (low. fierce voice). Yes! His life is sacred to the vengeance 
of Siva! 

Helene (in glad triumph). He is not guilty! 

Ahd. (firm). Yes! 

Helene. No! I say! — He was only a child when that black deed 
was done! 

Ahd. He is the man! Look on his brow and you will find the 
Brand of Siva! 

Helene (triumphantly). No! I tell you! It is not there! See! 
(brushes back hair from Jean's forehead.) 

Ahd. (intense surprise). What! No mark? He is innocent! 
Thank heaven! Quick! Take him to your own room! 



I 



26 

Jean. No ! I— 

Ahd. (firm). Yes! Darken his face and make it like mine. There, 
watch all that passes. Come at my call. Quick! Go! Go! (Helene 
and Jean exit C. D. and off R Ahd. closes curtains.) I will know 
all! ItisJervois! I will look on his brow ! If the brand is there — 
Ah! (hides in curtain L. 2. ) 

Jerv. (enter R. 1 with Gen d'arm). Wait there! I will search 
for him! (gen d'arm retires R. 1.) He must be there! (rushes up to 
curtains C, opens them, comes face to face with his reflection (double) 
with sign, in fire, on forehead. Gives groan and sinks or falls back- 
ward.) 

Ahd (up to curtain). Come! Quick! (Helene and Jean enter C. D. 
from R. Jean's face made up like Ahdeeb's). Here! Take these! 
(puts his turban and robe on Jean. Points R. 1.) Go! Tell the 
guards there, their man is here! (.Tean exits R. 1. Helene raises dag- 
ger over Jerv.) 

Helene My father's murderer! 

Ahd. (catches her hand ). Stay ! Would you wrest the vengeance 
from the mighty hand of Siva? 

Helene (repentant). No! No! Ahdeeb! (raising hands with dag- 
ger.) Oh, Great Siva! Forgive me! Vengeance is Thine! (dagger 
turns to sign of Siva and goes up; or it disappears.) 

Ahd. I will see if the mark of the Accursed One is here ! (about to 
look at Jerv. 's forehead ) 

Helene (catches his sleeve). Ahdeeb! They are coming! In! 
In ! (hurries Ahd. behind curtains, closes them, half concealing her- 
self in the folds on R. side of them, as Jerv. recovering and gen d'arm 
enters R. 1.) 

Jerv. (regaining feet.) Did he escape? 

Gen d'arm. No ! No one has gone out but the Hindoo. He told 
told us our man was here; and drove away in a cab. 

Jerv. (points C.) He is there! Search! (They start toward 
door C.) 

Helene (springs out. tearing open curtain). Yes! Search! 
(Shows Ahdeeb standing C. with arms folded, in door.) 

Jerv. (amazed, falling back L.) Ahdeeb! 

Gen. d'arm (R. C.) The Hindoo again. 

Helene (triumphantly). Yes! Picture, curtain. 

MARTIN'S CURTAIN. 



ACT III. 
Jardin Mabille at night. Dark wood backing, dense foliage, in 5. 
Cut wood, v^'ith C. opening, with electric colored lights in limbs. 



\ 



27 

in 4. 8-foot terrace behind cut wood with centre steps to 4-foot 
landing and two side flights of steps toward front with electric 
fountain in the niche between them. Masking for terrace behind 
cut wood. Handsome ballustrades and life-size statues, with lights 
at top, sides and bottom. Rustic tables and chairs R. and L. of 
C. Have set as far up stage as possible, so as to have fountain 
and steps above action line. Mechanism for water and lights to 
change in fountain, also the invisible sign of Siva in fountain. 
Green baize, wood wings and foliage borders. Jerv. seated L. of 
table L. C, Maj. back and Jaques R. Wine and glasses on table. 
Maj. in full evening dress. 

Major. Gentlemen, your beautiful Paris is as charmingly wicked 
as some of our splendid New Orleans Creoles, Sahs. 

Jaques, Especially in these gay, naughty gardens. In fact, our 
laughing Paris is a beautiful Bacchante, drunk with the draught of 
pleasure, dancing in wild, but graceful abandon. 

Maj. (laughing). Exactly, Sah! Mr. Brissac, you're right elo- 
quent. If we had you in America, we'd run you for congress, Sah! 

Jerv. Maj. Sapp, is fluency of speech all that is required to 
make an American lawmaker? 

Maj. (rising). The growth and prosperity of my native land are 
my answer, Sah! An infant among the mighty powers, cradled in the 
lap of the Western sea, its lullaby the thunders of two oceans, its flag- 
woven of the starry heavens and the rain-bow of Promise ! Though 
but a baby yet, Sah, like the infant Hercules, crushing in its strong 
hands the pythons of Tyranny and Wrong. 

Jaq. Bravo I Bravo, Maj. Sapp! (Rising with glass.) Here's 
to the growth of your grand America! (All rise and drink.) 

All. To Grand America! (All seated again.) 

Maj. I thank you, gentlemen. Nothing touches an American's 
heart so quickly as a tribute to his country. 

Jaq. But, Maj. Sapp, I fail to see why your country need to im- 
port foreign eloquence. You, yourself, should be in Congress. 

Maj. a man can be a patriot without being a politician, Sah ! 

Jaq. But you are a born orator, Major. 

Maj. Thar are two things, Sahs, that will make every Virginian 
eloquent : respect for woman and love of his native land. 

Jerv. Major Sapp. you are here early. Is the opera over 
already '? 

Maj. I haven't been to the opera this evening, Sahs. I had some 
important business. There was a meeting of some American gentle- 
men at the Embassy. 

Jaq. Speaking of the Embassy, reminds me, I expect Mons. 



i 



28 

Martin here, tonight, with two friends of ours. One is the Persian Em- 
bassador, Mon. Mahmoud Hadji; the other, Mons. Francois Pierre La 
Bouche, of Marseilles, member of the Chamber of Deputies. You 
shall see what our congressmen are like. Major. 

Maj. I should be mighty pleased to meet the gentlemen. Sah ; 
but, unfortunately for me, Sah, my visit to the American Legation 
tonight makes it necessary that I should get several very important 
letters started on the first mail for the United States, and I shall have 
to deny myself the pleasure of meeting your friends this evening, Sah I 

Jaq. That's too bad, Major! But I myself am a man of business: 
and I respect you for putting business before pleasure. 

Maj. Thank you, Sah! As I haven't much time, and for fear of 
seeming rude in rushing off just as they arrive, I will have to be going, 
(fills glass). But, before I go, Sahs, you must join me in a toast, (all 
fill and rise). To our Sister Republic, Sunny France, the land of 
science, art and courtesy! Her lovely daughters and her courtly 
sons ! ( all drink. ) 

Jerv. and .Jaq. (bowing). Thanks. Mons le Major! (they both 
sit.) 

Maj. (standing, puts on coat). Well. I must go! Good night. 
Gentlemen! (shaking hands.) 

(Enter Martin with Ahd. disguised as Persian Ambassador and Jean, 
as Mons. la Bouche, the Deputy, R. 1.) 

Mart. Good evening, gentlemen! (all on feet, bow.) What! Not 
going, Major? I'm sorry! 

Maj. (bowing). So am I, Sahl But I have some important business 
to attend to for my friend the American Ambassador. 

Mart. Before you go, allow me to present you to my friends, 
Major. 

Maj. With pleasure, Sah! 

Mart. Mons. Mahmoud Hadji, permit me to present my friend. 
Major Andrew Jackson Sapp, Secretary of the United States Em- 
bassy. Maj. Sapp. Mons. Hadji is the Ambassador of the Shah. 

Ahd. (offers hand). Mad-yor Andrewjacksonsapp, I feel much 
honor. It is much happy to me ! 

Maj. ( shaking hands). Mr Hadji, your most obedient servant, 
Sah! I'm mighty glad to know you, Sah! 

Mart. Mons. Hadji, allow me to introduce Mons. .Tervois of the 
Department of the Secret Police. 

Ahd. (bows across table). Mons. Ger-vah, I salaam to you, much 
humble. 

Jerv. (bowing). Your Excellency! (aside) I have seen him some- 
where beforel Was it in Persia? 



i 



29 

Ahd. (to Jaques). Ah! our friend, Mons. Debtarissah! It cause 
me happy that you should here be! (g-ives hand.) 

Jaq. (shaking hands). Mons. Hadji, delighted! (to .lean). Ah! 
Good evening, Mons. la Bouche! (shakes hands.) 

Jean. Mons. de Brissac. 

Mart. Major Sapp, Mons. la Bouche. 

Maj. (shaking hands). Mr. La Bouche, I am proud to know 
you. Sail! 

Jean. The compliment is to me, Mons. Sapp. 

Mart. Mons. Jervois, Mons. la Bouche, (both bow low without 
crossing to shake hands. ) 

Jerv. Mons. la Bouche. your servant! 

Jean. I am honored. 

Maj. Gentlemen, I am sorry to tear myself away, Sahs: but be- 
fore I go, you must drink a toast with me. (rings tap bell, waiter en- 
ters L. 1 ) 

Ahd. Can I with water drink? I wine drink may not. 

Maj. Certainly, Sah! Choosre your medicine. Garcon ! a bottle 
of your best Champagne, and glasses, and a glass of water. ( Waiter 
exits L 1 ) 

Mart Major, many of our foreign visitors '•Roast'- us: but you 
•-Toast" us. (All laugh ) 

Jaq That avoids international ••Broils.'' (All laugh) (Wait- 
er returns L. 1 with order and exits L. 1. ) 

Jaq. Henri, that was your first joke tonight. Are you not feel- 
ing weir? 

Mart. I am usually jocose as the joke goes, but my joke clothes 
I'm not wearing tonight. I'm out for seriousness. 

Maj. (as all fill glasses). Gentlemen, we stand here, the citizens 
of three great realms. Let us drink to the Sisterhood of Nations and 
the Brotherhood of Man! (All touching glasses.) 

All. To the Sisterhood of Nations, the Brotherhood of Man! 
(They drink.) 

Maj. (going R.) Gentlemen, good-night! (All bow and repeat 
'•Good night!" Exit Maj. R. 1.) 

Jaq Gentlemen, be seated. (All sit, Jerv. L. of table L. Jaques' 
back and Ahd. R.. Jean R. of table R., Martin L,) I am sorry we 
had to lose the Major. He is a remarkably bright man. These Amer- 
icans are noble fellows. They are so genuine. 

Jerv. (to Ahd.) Your Excellency, is this your first visit to 
France ? 

Ahd. Mons. Ger-vah. it is yes. 

.Jerv. What do you think of our busy city. 

Ahd. It so bright ! So strange! So new! So always change! 



30 

So each man quick journey somewhere. No rest, no sleep, no night ! 
All like dream. All so beautiful. Not like Ispahan — not like Persia. 
There, three thousand years, no change. 

Jaq I suppose it is very different. 

Ahd. Ah! Here, everywhere the pretty ladies. The face no hide. 
Each man the beautiful face see. No veil, no hide in harem. No 
eunuch guard. All free to go out. It so strange! So beautiful! 

Mart. Mons. Hadji went with us. tonight, to pay his first visit to 
the opera. 

Ahd. Ah! The opera! Beautiful ladies! So little wear! So 
beautiful dance ! Fly! Float! Make beautiful song! Make music! Ah! 

Jaq. We Parisians are very fond of the opera. Mons. Hadji, 
you will become as much of a frequenter of the opera as Maj. Sapp. 

Ahd. (puzzled). "Freek-wentah?" I not know. 

.Jaq. Oh ! A frequenter is one who goes to them all 

Ahd. Oh! Ah! Yes! I a ''Freek-wentah" them will myself 

Mart Mon Hadji and I are going tomorrow to see a fine col- 
lection of Chinese, Hindoo and ancient Egyptian gems He is a 
famous collector. 

Ahd. (produces case). I some old ones here. Some Assyria, 
some Egypta This from Mecca. (Bows head. Jaques and Jerv 
looking at them ) 

.Tbrv. They are, indeed, beauties, and v^ery rare. You have a 
fine collection, Mons. Hadji! I have a fine Hindoo diamond myself. 

Ahd. (eagerly). Can I shall at it look, Mons. Ger-vah? 

Jerv. Certainly, your excellency. (Produces small case with 
large diamond.) Here it is. 

Ahd. (looking at it eagerly). Oh! x\.h! Beautiful! Strange! 
Where from it come? 

Jerv. It was from an ancient Hindoo temple of Pushkara, in 
Rajputana, India. One of the sacred Hindoo gems. The temple was 
looted during the Sepoy Rellion, in 1857, twenty-seven years ago. 

Ahd. Mons. Ger-vah! But, you it get where? 

.Jerv. (with shifty eyes). I? I — bought it of an English soldier, 

Ahd. How much price you it make to sell to me? 

Jerv. I value it at forty-five thousand francs. 

Ahd I you give 50.000 and much thankful you. It so rara, so 
strange. 

Jerv. As you are a collector of odd gems, I am glad to do your 
Excellency a service. The diamond is yours at the price you name. 

Ahd (to Jaques). Will you the check write, Mons. Debbrissah, 
to your bank? 

Jaq. (takes out his check book and touches bell. Enter waiter, he 
signals pen and ink. waiter exits again L. 1.) With pleasure, Mons. 



81 

Hadji! (Waiter brings them on and exits L. 1. Writing.) I will g-ive 
you mine. We can exchange cheeks later, Mons. Hadji. (Gives it.) 

Hadji (Ahd.) I you much thankful. Monsieur! (to Jerv.) And 
you. Mons. Your paper here is. (Gives it.) 

Mart. Friend Jaques. Mons. Hadji should meet our friend. 
''M'lle Satan.'* 

Ahd. I that not know. Tell to me! What is Mad-dem-MO sel 
Sa tahn? 

Jaq. Why? -'M' lie Satan"? Oh! She is a very beautiful and 
charming lady, the Duchess Torgoffski. 

Mart. Oh, she is the talk of the best set in Paris. The whole 
town is gapeing at her and buzzing about her. She might be quite 
the social lion— or rather lioness — if she sought notoriety : but she 
seems to avoid it. 

Jerv, Your pardon, gentlemen! But it seems to me she gains 
notoriety by some of her daring innovations. 

Jaq. Only evidence of her force of character. It shows the self- 
reliant thought of a true cosmopolitan. 

Jean (voice disguised even from audience). I should be charmed 
to meet this interesting personage. 

Jerv. She is not at all like a Russian. She seems more like an 
English woman. 

Jaq. Naturally! Her father was English. (All surprised. Jerv. 
starts.) 

Mart. What? 

Jerv. (quickly). What was his name? 

Jaq. (evasively). Mons. Jervois, I am not at liberty to say, at 
present. 

Mart. You know her story, then, Jaques ? 

Jaq. Yes. Her grandfather was falsely accused of conspiracy, 
and was banished from Russia. He went to England to live. There 
M'lle Helene's mother met a young English nobleman, a colonel in 
the British army, and married him. He, being ordered to India, took 
his young wife with him : and it was there, in India, that Helene 
was born. 

Jerv. (interested). But her parents! What became of them? 

Jaq. Her father was killed in the Sepoy Rebellion (Jerv. starts) 
and the villiany of the Russian official being revealed, the Czar sent 
him to reside in Siberia for the rest of his life, and recalled and re- 
instated the old Duke and his widowed daughter. After they died, 
M'lle Helene succeeded to the estates and title as Duchess Torgoffski. 

Ahd. (thoughtfully). ' "Tor-a-gov-es-Kah ! ' * That name — that beeg 
Russian vizeer — no, ah — you call— ah — nobel! What mean Mad-dem- 
MO-sel Sa-tahn name? 



32 

Mart. Oh! I was to blame for that. We have a saying- ''Speak 
of the Devil, he appears!" So I called her "M'lle Satan." Say! 
I'll wager she'll be here tonight. 

Jerv. But it would be as much as her reputation was worth to 
come to the Jardin Mabille! 

Mart. You thiuk so? I'll w^ager you fifty francs she will come 
here tonight. 

Jerv. (sneeringly). Make it a hundred. Mon.sieur! 

Mart. Two hundred, if you like ! 

Jerv. Done! 

Mart, (takes out pocket-book). Quick! Put up the money before 
she arrives! Mons. Jacques, will you hold the stakes? 

Jaq. Yes, Messiers, if you both desire it. 

.Jerv. (gives Jaques money). My two hundred, Mons. Brissac. 

Mart, (same business). And mine. Now we'll see. (Fountain 
turns lizard green as Helene, followed by Goorlah, enters at top of 
steps, from R in large Arab opera cloak of same green. PICTURE 
as all stand to receive her. Then she throws back revere, disclosing 
pink lining-, and fountain changing, simultaneously, with her. Then 
she unfastens her cloak and lays it off as Goorlah takes it, showing 
rich ruby red dress front, fountain changes at same time. She comes 
down steps and turns back of dress to audience, pale blue. Fountain 
same.) 

Helene (back to audience). Messiers, good evening, (all bow, 
wishing good evening, each differently.) 

Jaq. (shaking hands, L. of her). How do you do, M'lle Helene? 

Helene. O, I am well again, thank you. 

Mart. (R of her). Welcome, "M'lle Satanl'* 1 am delighted to 
see you! 

Jaq. (laughing, gives him money). Yes! Two hundred francs 
worth! 

Hele.ve. Two hundred francs? 

Jaq. Yes, M'lle. He wagered on your coming and won. 

Helene. Strange! Why, no one knew I was coming! 

Mart. No, but we spoke of you; and — well— you know your 
magic spell, "M'lle Satan"! I wagered and, of course, won! (all 
laugh). Duchess Torgoffski, Mons. Hadji, the Persian Envoy. 

Helene (gives hand, which he kisses). Mons. Hadji, this is a 
pleasure ! I have traveled in your beautiful Persia. 

Ahd My land you make me happy, beautiful lady ! Where your 
feet you make steps, grow up bright flow^ers 

Helene, Thanks, Mons. Hadji! You flatter! (Ahd. puts hand on 
breast, shaking head in denial. ) 

Mart, Pardon me Duchess ! Mons. la Bouche. 



83 

Helene (shrewdly). Mons. la Bouche, I am very g-lad to meet 
you here. 

Jean (fervently). I am thrilled with pleasure. Duchess Tor- 
goffski. 

Jerv. (with sneering- chuckle, aside to himself). The Siren has 
caught them both I Over head and ears in love with her at once I 

Helene. Ayah, dear, take my cloak to the carriage and wait for 
the man I expect. 

GOORLAH. But, Noor Savital The air of night, in this far off 
land, is chill for thee, Bloom of the Lotus I 

Helene (kisses her). No! Nol You dear old Ayah Goorlahl I 
shall be warm enough. There! Go I Rest thee, and bring the person 
when he arrives. (Goorlah exits R. 1.) (To Ahd.) Mons. Hadji, I, 
too, am from Asia. I was born in India. We Orientals find Paris 
very different from our still dreamy East. 

Ahd. (back of table R). Ah, Lady! Paris like beautiful Persian 
rug is: all gold,— shine,— rich, bright color. 

Jean (L. of Helene, near Jaques). Yes, but in this rug of Paris, 
the gold and richness are all on top ! The under side is gloomy and 
dark enough. I can tell you ! 

Helene. Ah, Mons. la Bouche! It is always so with a great 
city I Like the ocean, it flashes in the sunshine of pleasure; but you 
shudder when you think of the dark monsters that writhe in the slimy 
ooze, far down beneath the dancing, sun-kissed waves! 

Jaq. Ah, Duchess ! I fear you are becoming a pessimist. 

Helene. No, Mons. Jaques. I simply face fact. See. for in- 
stance, that murder of a week ago. Celeste Plaroque. 

Jerv. (L. of table R —quickly). Who was murdered by her for- 
mer husband, in a fit of jealousy. (Jean starts to speak. ) 

Helene (grasping his wrist). No! She was murdered by her 
lover ! 

Jerv. (starts, Ahd. watching him, controls himself). The Depart- 
ment of the Secret Police do not think so. 

Helene (pointedly). There are those in the Department, who, in 
their hearts, know my theory is right. 

Jerv. (sarcastically). Indeed! On what do you base your theorv, 
M'lle? 

Helene She was strangled with a weighted cord. That was a 
Thug's trick. It was done by one who had learned that form of mur- 
der in India. (He starts). 

Ahd. (as if thinking him sick). You the nervous have. Mus-vah 
Ger-vah? 

Jerv. (quickly). No! No! It is nothing, Mons. 

Jaq. I know that Mons. Flaroque felt kindly and pityingly 



34 

toward his divorced wife, and placed a larg-e sum in our bank, subject 
to her draft. You see he had no motive for killing- her. 

Helene (holding- letter in hand). No! But some one else had! 

All. Who ? 

Helene. Her lover, who had roused her jealousy, and whom she 
soug-ht to expose to his enemies. 

Jerv. (much excited, but concealing it). How do you know that? 

Helene She denounced him, and tells her motive for it in this 
letter to Ahdeeb Dahnmoot! (Hold up letter Jerv. rises, his jaw 
falls, picture of abject terror.) 

(Ahd. lights cigarette and sets his chair back, half hidden, among 
the palms. 

Jean (almost fiercely). Who is he? 

Helene (warningly). Mons la Bouche, — (watches Jerv.) I can- 
not say (Jerv. much relieved, sits L. of table R, Goorlah. followed 
by Concierge, enters R. 1 and crosses to R. of Helene.) 

Goorlah My beautiful ! Goorlah does thy bidding. Here is 
the man. 

Helene. Wait for me there, I will not be long. (Exit Goorlah 
R. 1) Messiers, here is a witness. This is Ettienne Durant, Concierge 
of the house where Mme. Celeste Flaroque was murdered Ahdeeb 
Dahnmoot sought him out. and — but he will tell you Go on. Mons. 
Durant. Tell us what you know of this murder (Jerv. has come 
nearer). 

Concierge Well, it was on this night, a week ago, I was smoking 
in my room, when a gentleman in black, with a black moustache and 
hair gray at the temples, asked to see Mme. Celeste Flaroque I had 
never known her last name till then, Messiers. Well, I led him to her 
room, and she opened the door to him. I heard her say: ''What! 
Jean ! You ! ' " 

Jerv. Ah! You see! 

Jaq. Wait! 

Concierge. Now Madame! Messiers! Do not think T listen at 
the doors of our lodgers. 

Jaq. No! No! Certainly not! But go on! 

Clngierge. The lady spoke so wild and sad like, that I stood a 
moment or so in the hall, after the door was closed. I could hear the 
man's voice. It was kind and sad, and then she began to cry softly. 
He only stayed a few minutes, and I happened to be in the hall when 
he went away. 

Jean. And did you see her? 

Concierge. Yes, Mons. She came to the door with him. She 
had tears in her eyes, and she held a paper in her hand. She siezed 
his hand and kissed it. And I heard her sav. ''Oh. Jean! You are 



so g-ood ! I have wrong-ed you so I I have not deserved this kindness 
from you!*' Then he said, "Good by. Celeste! Heaven forg-ive and be 
kind to you." Then he went away. 

Jaq. (to Jerv). Xothing- very murderous in that. Mons. JervoisI 
(to Concierge) What time was this? 

Concierge. It must have been about a quarter past ten in the 
evening: for, about a quarter of an hour later, he came back. 

Jerv. (triumphantly to .Jaques). Ah I He returns! 

Jaq. Wait, Mons. Jervois ! (to Concg.) Go on. my man. 

Concierge. That was just at half past ten by the little clock in 
my room. But. this time, he didn't look quite the same, and his voice 
seemed different. In fact. I thought it must be the brother of the other 
man Besides, he seemed not to remember that he had been there be- 
fore. He asked to see Mme. Celeste. I took him to the room. As the 
poor lady opened the door, she seemed surprised that he had come 
back; then she started and I heard her say: "What! You? I thought 
it was Mons. Flaroque. *' He laughed and closed the door. It was not 
a pleasant laugh. Messiersl 

Mart. What then? Did you hear more? 

Concierge. No, Monsieur. Just at that moment the door bell 
rung and I went down to see who it was. There was a man to see me. 
While I was talking with him. the man from Mme. Celeste's room 
came down and passed out hurriedly into the street. 

Helene. But how soon did you discover the murder ? 

Concierge. Just as the church clock, at the corner, struck eleven 
I got up to go through the house and see all safe. As I came near 
Mme. Celeste's door, I smelt smoke, and discovered it came from her 
room. I called to her, but she did not answer. Fearing that she was 
suffocating with the smoke, I burst open the door, for he had locked it 
and taken the key away. I found her strangled to death with a cord. 
He had dashed down the lamp to set fire to the house and hide his 
crime. 

.Jerv (triumphantly). There 1 Are you satisfied now, M'lle? 
Her husband murdered her and tried to blot out his crime! (Jean 
makes start. Helene lays hand on his wrist.) 

•Jaq. (triumphant). No! Mons. Jean Flaroque was w4th me, at 
the Cafe d 'Or, at half past ten, — the time at which the murderer, dis- 
guised as Jean, entered that room! 

Alt.. What? 

.Jaq. Yes I We lunched together, and he told me of his visit to 
his divorced wife, and the provision he had made for her future. We 
left the Cafe together at a little after eleven o'clock by our watches. 
That was the moment at which the crime was discovered. 

Jerv. (desperately). Can you prove this? 



36 

Jaq. Yes, by two gentlemen to whom I introduced him in the Cafe. 

Helene (in triumph). Messiers, do you not see he is innocent? 

All (but Jerv.) Yes! Yes! 

Helene. Jean Flaroque, you can now come forth and face the 
World, an innocent man! (Jean throws off his disguise.) 

All. Jean Flaroque ! 

Jaq. Come, Messiers ! Come with me to my friend. Judge Morat! 
This wrong shall be righted at once. (Jean, Concg. and Jaques going 
L. 1, and exeunt.) 

Mart. Where is Mons. Hadji? 

Helene. He has gone, Mons. 

Mart (offering his arm). That is strange. Allow me I You are 
going with us, are you not? 

Helene. Yes, Mons. Martin, (they exit after others, L. 1.) 

Mart, (at entrance). Ta-ta, Mons. Jervois. 

Jerv. (by C. looking after them). Curse them I They are all in 
this conspiracy together ! Who the Devil has done this ? 

Ahd. ( stepping down from palms, throws off disguise.) Ahdeeb 
Dahnmoot ! 

Jerv. (turns, draws dagger). Damn you! (tries to stab Ahd., 
who makes quick move. Jerv. drops knife and grasps his wrist, as if 
cramped.) 

Ahd. Fool! You cannot harm me! Vishnu guards my life ! Pick 
up your weapon, murderer! (he obeys). Now go! (points R. 1. Jerv. 
crosses R. and exits, trembling.) (Alone) Claude Jervois, your 
course of crime is almost run! (Holding* up diamond). You have 
given me the proof of your crime: the Sacred diamond which you 
stole from the Holy image of Bramah ! The end is near! (looks R. 
and steps back in shadow of palms, L. of steps L. C. ) (Jerve. enters 
R. 1.) 

Jerv. (looks around). Has he gone? Next time I'll see if his 
Vishnu can stop a ballet! This evidence that be has dug up against 
me is daugerous; but I still hold the key. This jealous letter of Cel- 
este's to me, and this one I was fool enough to write her in reply. 
Lucky that I found my letter and this cheque that Flaroque gave her, 
and that the Concierge saw her hav^e. I was a fool not to have de- 
stroyed them at once ! Luckily it is not too late yet ! ( He is about to 
tear them, as Ahd. makes swift pass. Jerv. hypnotized, stands as en- 
tranced. Martin enters L. 1. motions him silence; Jerv. in trance.) 
Yes, I will throw them in the grate and destroy them; the only real 
evidence against me! (throws them in imaginary fire, at Ahd's feet.) 

So! See them burn ! Ha, ha, lial Now. vou Hindoo wolf! I defv 



37 

Ahd (snatches them up, giving- them to Martin). Quick! To the 
Duchess I Tell her to read them! Go! (exit Martin L. 1) (Ahd. 
turns to Jerv.) Do you not know me? 

Jerv. Yes! Curse you! Celeste! Give me my letter! Give it 
to me, I say! What? You will not? (throws imaginary cord.) Then 
die! Strangle I Curse you I The Devil! Where is that letter? 
(searchihg body.) Ah! Here it is! What is this? She dropped it. 
A cheque for One Hundred Thousand Francs, and signed by him! (in 
pocket) Ah! The lamp! The flames will blot out all! (bus. of light- 
ing then hurrying away. ) I'll lock the door ! (bus., then runs L. 1. 
Ahd. makes pass. Jerv. stops by R. 1, slowly up to back of table R. 
sinks in chair, head on table, sleeps.) 

Ahd. (runs up steps). Thus do men's crimes live on and rise to 
haunt themi (at top of steps, waves hand. Jerv. slowly rouses. Ahd. 
exits C. and R.) 

Jerv. What? I had fallen asleep! Curse my memory! Must I 
forever dream of her distorted face? Can I never forget it? (looks L.) 
Ah! (shrinks back in shadow of palms R.) (Enter Helene and Mar- 
tin L. 1. She sits L. of table L. Martin standing R. of her ) 

Mart. Yes. .Tervois has so much power and influence back of him 
that it may be slow work trapping our fox. 

Helene. Scarcely. I think, my friend, with all the evidence we 
hold in his case. 

Mart. Yes, but the Department of Police can doctor the evidence 
till they would make Truth turn liar, and Justice a Can-can dancer! 
Then he has a strong pull with the government. Why, for some di- 
plomatic service in Austria, he received the decoration of Knight of 
the Black Eagle. 

Hekene (half aside). --The Black Eagle?" Strange !— (aloud.) 
Mons Martin, may 1 trouble you to send Goorlah to me? 

Mart, (going up steps). Why certainly. -'M'lle Satan!" I'll 
have her here in no time. 

Helene. Yv-)u will find her at my carriage. You know it. do you 
not? 

Mart, (at top of steps.) Yes, M'lle. It bears your coat of arms 
on the door panels: A red shield with a golden lion, (exit C. and R.) 

Helene (starts up). "Lion?" Strange I did not think of that 
before! I see it all at last! The meeting of the Black Eagle and the 
Golden Lion! Jervois! 

Jerv. (stepping out R.. bows). At your service. 

Helejne (startled). You? 

Jerv. (smiling sarcastically). Me!— Still plotting against me? 
Eh? Duchess? So we are to be foes, are we? 

Helene (proudly). Yes. Claude Jervois! Foes to the last! 



• 38 

Jerv. (fiercely). So be it, then! I will drive you and your Hin- 
doo hound from Paris, from France. I warn you! Go! And never 
cross my path again! 

Helens (scornfully). And if I refuse! What then? 

Jerv. (in rage). -'What then?" I will crush you! I will have 
you driven out of the society of Paris ! The doors that have been 
opened to welcome you, shall be shut in your face! Your fine friends, 
who have conspired with you, and against me, shall blush to hear of 
Helene, the Duchess Torgoffski, alias M'lle Satan. I will make your 
name a by-word and a jest. 

Helene (laughs contemptously). And. pray, Marquis Claude 
Jervois! How do you propose to work this revolution? 

Jerv. I and the gens d'armes saw your lover alone with you in 
your boudour, long after midnight. Let me but loose that scandal, 
and you are ruined. Paris would put but one construction on that : 
That you were Jean Flaroque's MISTRESS. 

Helene (in rage). Claude Jervois, you shall answer to me for 
that insult with your LIFE ! (In this speech she slowly approaches 
him. half tigerish, speaking low through her set teeth, intense, and 
at end of speech, on last word, like a fiash, slaps him full in the face 
with her glove. ) 

Jerv. What! Bah! T cannot fight a duel with a womau. But 
I have you so! (clutches hand). Begone! Get out! You and your — 
YOUR MEN ! Leave Paris before noon tomorrow or I tell all. 

Helene. And at the first breath of scandal. I will proclaim all I 
know of the felon, (Jlaude Jervois — skulking camp-follower, human 
vulture, prowling robber and triple murderer! 

Jerv, (fiercely). Fool! What can you tell? 

Helene (triumphantly). That you stole the wife of an honorable 
man, and then hid. like a coward, from his vengeance. That you then 
won the heart of a pure, innocent girl. That your wronged mistress 
threatened to expose your crimes ; and. to prevent this exposure, you 
murdered her. This I will tell to all Paris, to France, to the world ! 

Jerv. And what proofs could yon give the world that this was 
not the extravagant lie of that loic adventuress, "M'lle Satan"? 

Helene (at foot of steps). Celeste's threatening letter to you, 
your compromising one in reply, and the cheque you took from her 
dead body. 

Jerv. (alarmed, searching his pocket, R. C ) They are burned. 

Helene (holding them up). No! They are here! 

Jerv. (wildly). Give me those letters, ( Goorlah on top steps or 
I'll kill you! 

Helene ^springs to top of first flight, Goorlah at same time 
springs down, with low cry, and throws herself before Helene.) NO! 



39 

Jerv. (draws dagger). Those papers or your life! (Ahd on top 
landing, waves hand as Jerv. rushes toward foot of stairs R. C. Sign 
appears in fountain. He gives low cry, shrinks back in horror and 
falls C.) 

Helene (on picture, holds up papers) The holy Sign! No! 
Jervois ! I give you not to the justice of France, but the Vengeance 
of Heaven. PICTURE AND CUR rAIN. 

JAQUES' CURTAIN. 



ACT IV. 

Grand palace conservatory with terrace at back, with sinking trap C. 
at top of steps down C. in 5. Splendid gold statue vases, like 
Helene, (trick) with lights R. and L. of stairs. Beautiful triple 
arches in 4. Single arches in 2 and 3. Marble Mosaic cloth down. 
Trick Sign of Siva to appear in mid-air. Guests discovered en 
masque, at rise. J aque.'j as Henry VIII, Major as Solomon, Jean 
as Swiss Guide, Jervois as Jester, Ahdeeb as Brahmin, Martin as 
Charlemagne. Julie as White Vestal, Yvette as Japanese Lady of 
rank. Gilbert as Soubrette Mephisto. Ladies together, chatting, 
C at rise. Jervois L., Major and Jaques up R. C , Jean R., 
Ahdeeb L. near Jerv., Martin L. C. Palms in arches, scrim and 
backing L. C. 

Julie. Well, girls, this is the most magnificent bal masque that 
the Municipality has ever given in honor of the foreign embassadors. 
Gil. Isn't it fun. though I 
Yvette Nobody knows anyone else 

.iULiE. I"ll tell you a secret. They blunderingly sent Jaques' 
costume to me: and I, of course, opened it. and found out that he is 
to be Henry VIII. He doesn't dream that I know a thing about it. 
That is Jaques yonder. See there. Henry VIII and King Solomon, 
the two much-married men ! 

GiL. luit who is Jaques' companion. King Solomon? 
.Julie. Why. the Major, of course: These silly men are like 
ostriches that stick their heads in the sand and think they are hid. 
See how secure the Wise Man and the Wicked Man look! (Martin 
shakes hands warmly with Jaques.) 

Jaques (to Maj. and Mart who has returned to them.) Gentle- 
men, I'll give you a pointer. I have a joke on the ladies. 1 ;julie's 
dress— that of the .Japanese lady— and M'lle Yvette's as^the White 
Vestal, were sent to me, by a mistake. I took them back and paid the 
costumer to keep still Ha, ha, ha! (All laughing). 

Maj. Good joke. Sah! So. the Jap. ladv is vour charming sis- 
ter? Ha. ha. ha! 



40 

Mart. And Yvette is the White Vestal? Ha, ha, ha! Capital! 

JULEE. Jaques, the dear old stupid ! let a remark drop that gave 
us a hint that he knew, somehow, that I was to be a Japanese lady of 
rank, so Yvette and I changed dresses. We have him puzzled at any 
rate. (Ladies laugh, Ahdeeb bows to gentlemen and passes L.) 

Ma J. I mean to find out if that jester is Mr. Dahnmoot. (goes to 
him.) 

Gil. Oh, look! Solomon and the jester together! Wisdom and 
Folly! Ha, ha, ha! 

Julie. Where is Hclene, I wonder! (Maj goes back to Jaques.) 

Gil. (looking at herself). I have stolen her sobriquet! I am 
*'M'lle Satan tonight! 

Yvette. I am going to look for her. (crosses and exits R. 2.) 

Maj. Hello! There goes the Jap. lady! Mrs. Tourney! Excuse 
me, Sahs! (Exits R. 2.) 

Jean. Has the Duchess Torgoffski arrived yet? 

Mart. Hello! Jean! By St. Dennis! Ha, ha, ha! Clev^er! 
Ha, ha, ha! 

Jean. I confess! 

Jaq. There's one unknown quantity eliminated! 

Jean. But where is the Duchess? 

Mart. Why, that charming little devil, to be sure ! 

Jean (doubtfully). I think she is too short, Henri. 

Jaq. He may be right. 

Mart. No! It can't be her! That dress has to short a train. 
That's "M'lle Satan" Jr. (aside to them). Wait a little! (aloud). I'll 
bet you fifty francs the Duchess will be here inside of three minutes. 

Jaq. No! You'll not wager us! We know her! 

Mart, (to Jerv., R. of him). Will you wager, Mons. Jester. 

Jerv. (turning away). Oh, no. Monsieur! Not this time! 

Mart, (to Jean and Jaques). Jervois ! 

Jaq. Another unknown quantity eliminated! Then the last one 
is known also! 

Maj. (returning from R. 2). I have missed her, Sahs. Where is 
our friend, the Duchess, — "M'lle Satan?" (Music. Helene appears 
at head of stairs, from L., dressed in full Encroyable, in full gold with 
gold mask and gloves and staff, stands on picture.) 

Jaq. (sees her on stairs). Look! Look! Two to one, that's she, 
(Jean goes to meet her at foot of stairs ) 

Julie. There she is! That's Helene! See! See! The Swiss 
guide has run to her! It's Jean! (ladies laugh.) 

Jerv. (to Maj). Great Solomon, behold the golden calf! (points 
toward Helene.) 

Mart, (pointing to Jerv). And the brazen serpent! 



41 

Jerv. So, Mods. Warrior! I am not the only fool here! 

Mart, Oh, yes, Mons. Jester! I'm only an amateur fool! I 
don't work at it all the time, (all laugh at Jerv.) (To Helene) My 
service to you, lady ! How rarely Beauty's barque bears golden sail! 

Helene. And rarer still when wit wears warrior's mail! 

Mart, Ho, hoi Jean's occupation's gone! 

■lERV. (kneels to her). 'Tis a fool's part to bend the knee to Gol- 
den Fortune ! 

Helene. But Fortune passes by the fool that kneels to her, and 
smiles on Wisdom! (bows to Maj.) 

Jerv (aside, rising). It is she! (goes L. C. ) 

Maj. The smile of Lovely Woman is brighter than the Gold of 
Ophir, Ma 'ami 

Helene (laughing aside to Jean) "Ma'am", the Major! (aloud) 
You are King Solomon, the Wise! 

Maj. Yes, Ma'am! I know my "Wys" and wherefores, and I 
know what queen "She-be '' 

Helene. Guess, if you are able! 

Mart. Encroyable! 

Jaq. Henry VIII may claim the Cloth of Gold, You wear my 
livery, lady. I shall press my claim to that fair hand. 

Helene (merrily). Ah, you behead your queens. But she who will 
say you "Nay!" will "Be-head" o' you. (Jaques laughs.) Ha, ha! 
Mons Jaques, and Major, and you, too, Mons. Henri! I knew you all! 

Jaq. And we know you ! We spoke of "M'lle Satan,'' and you 
appeared, (All laugh. ) 

Mart. And did you know the jester? 

Helene You forget the Oriental's subtle sense, that feels the 
presence of a loved or hated one. (Takes Jean's arm. bows to others, 
crosses to Julie. ) 

Maj. If you'll excuse me, Sahs, I'll make another attempt to find 
Mrs. Tourney. (Bows and exits R, 2. Mart, crosses to Gil. L. C. 
Julie meets Helene C. ) 

.Julie I was afraid you would not be here tonight 

Helene Yes, Julie, dear. I know I am late. 

Jaq (near them, aside). Shade of Great Caesar ! The Vestal is 
Julie The Major is on a false chase! Ha, ha. ha! (Crosses L. 
laughing, and exits L. 2. Yvette re-enters R. 2. comes to Julie and 
Helene, shaking hands, then crosses to Gil. and Mart, during the Gil. 
and Jerv.'s scene. Julie and Helene up R. C.) 

Jerv. (approaches Gil, and Mart.) How beautiful the Devil is! 

Gil. Yes, when hidden by a mask! That's a fool's wisdom! 

Jerv. No, M'lle. A wise man's folly ! 

Gil. I see little difference. (Yvette joins Gil. and Mart.) 



42 

Jerv. (passes R.) That must be the Torg'offskl. Yes. I'm sure 
of it. (Exits R. 2.) 

Julie. Come, Helene? Let us to sight- seeing! It is a grand 
affair, I can tell jou. A veritable boquet of human orchids and other 
animated botanical curiosities (Exeunt, laug-hing, with Jean R. 2.) 

Gel. Oh, dear! This grand warrior is so much more charming 
than that silly thing yonder, in bells and patches. 

Mart, (pleased). Ah! Thanks, awfully, little M' lie Satan, 

Gil. (aside to Yvette) He thinks I'm Heiene. 

Mart, (overhears her- Aside, chuckling). Does he? 

Gil. .That shallow fellow! He thought I didn't know him in that 
chess-board jester's costume; but I did. 

Yvette. Who is he? 

Gil. Why, that silly boy, Henri Martin. 

Mart, (forgetting himself) Eh? What? I am not a silly — 

Gil. (laughing). Oh, see the snail crawl out of his shell. 

Mart, (seeing his blunder)- Eh? Oh! Confound it! I'm found 
out! I'm discovered ! (Girls laugh). 

Gil. Oh, you innocent chicken! 

Mart. Chicken? Humph! A chicken is an old hen's little calf.' 
(Girls laugh). 

Gil. I knew it was you in that suit of shingle. 

Mart What's that about shingles? 

Gil. Well, you present a "shingle"-ar appearance. Ha, ha, ha! 
You look for all the world like a tile roof. Are you Rufus the Great? 

Mart, (with injured dignity). No! I am the Great (Charlemagne I 

Gil. (laughing). Well, you do look like a great "churl among" 
all these nice folks 

Mart (burlesque tragic) Ha, ha ! You are accused of being 
suspected! I know thee, now. Devil! Thy name is Gilbert! 

Gil. Why, of course, you stupid ! 

Mart, Tmposterl I did not recognize thy feet. How you have 
outgrown that skirt. 

Gil. No, I haven't! 

Mart. Then it has shrunk horribly, since you put it on. 

Gil. (indignantly) What do you mean? 

Mart, (enjoying her annoyance). It stops too far above the 
floor It doesn't begin till the second story. It isn't tall enough 
down! 

Gil (puzzled). Tall enough? 

Mart No. It's too short-sleeved in the skirt. The frill — the 
rnffle around the waist doesn't protect your feet, 

Gil. You don't understand. 

Mart. Oh! I see! It seems that the "Personal Devil Idea" is 



43 

ef-"feet " Ha, ha, ha! 

Gil This dress is long enoug-h for me. 

Mart But you are not short enough for the dress Is that it? 
Ha, ha, ha! "Shingles!" Eh? "Tile roof!" Ha, ha, ha! We're 
even now, you satin Satan! (offers arm). Come, Demoniac! 

Gil. (taking arm). Yes demoniac and the maniac. You scaly 
looking creature, you look like a fish. 

Mart. Then you and I are a devil-fish. (Crossing to R.) Let's 
find Yvette. (Girls laugh behind his back, as he and Gil. cross R. 
leaving Yvette to cross to chair R. C. and they exit R. 2.) 

Yvette (alone, in chair R. C.) What can be the matter with 
Mons. Jervois? He shall learn that no woman of spirit will be ruth- 
lessly snubbed, neglected and ignored. (Enter Maj. R. 2.) Nothing 
kills love so quickly as— Ah! The Major! 

Maj. (seeing Yvette). By Jove! That's her! That's her! Ah! 
Mrs. Tourney, I have caught you at last. (Taking her hand). Did 
you think I wouldn't know you. Ma'am? 

Yvette (imitating Julie) Oh, Major! That's too bad! How 
did you find me out? 

Maj. Do you suppose. Ma'am, that I could be deceived in that 
queenly grace, that regal step? Ah, my dear Madam! There is but 
one such perfect woman in the world. 

Yvette (laughs) Major Sapp! You are actually making me 
vain with your flattery. (Julie sees them as she enters R. 1, comes up 
R. of them, behind Maj. ) 

Maj. My dear lady, I do not flatter! In my eyes you are the 
most charming and perfect woman alive. 

•Julie (drops fan) Well! I declare! Then I am out of the 
question, am I? Why, you wicked, old deceiver! (Comes between 
them. Enter Mart. R. 2.) 

Mart. Ah! The White Vestal! That is Yvette! 

Maj. (R. of her, half realizing his mistake). Eh? What? I— 

Julie. So ! As soon as my back is turned, you begin flirting 
with Yvette 

Mart, (surprised). Yvette? Thunder! 

Maj. Yvette? I— you— 

Yvette (laughing). Yes, Major! You have made a mistake. 
I am Yvette Forgive him, Julie. He mistook my ' 'queenly grace, 
my regal step" for yours. Ah! Major! That was too funny! (She 
laughs, crossing R.) 

Mart. M ' lie Yvette ? 

Yvette. Yes, Mons. Henri. Let us go to the ball room. (To 
Maj. mischievously, crossing L. ) "Two's company," you know, 
Major! Ha. ha. ha! (Mart, and Yvette exit laughing, L. 2 ) 



44 

Julie (sits in chair L. puts white scarf on lap). So, Maj. Sapp! 
You are becoming quite a gay deceiver You put on King Solomon's 
costume and his tastes for two thousand wives at the same time, eh? 

Maj. (confused. Sits in chair R. ) My dear Madam! By no 
means ! I have eyes for you alone. 

Julie. Oh! Indeed! Then, what was the meaning of those pro- 
testations of devotion I just heard you cooing to Yvette? 

Maj. Only a case of mistaken identity, I assure you, Ma'am. I 
mistook that young lady for you, hence the devotion. 

Julie. Oh! It would be very dangerous, Major Sapp, to have a 
husband who could so easily mistake other women for his wife. 

Maj. But, Mrs. Tourney, I beg your pardon for the mistake. 
These masquerades are designed wholly and solely to deceive. 

Julie. Well, Major Sapp! You can't deceive me, even at a 
masquerade. 

Maj. (enter Gil. R. 2 crosses behind them to Jaq. as he enters.) 
My dear lady, it was not you, but I who was deceived. I am the vic- 
tim of circumstances, Ma'am. (Jaques enters L. 2 coming back of 
them. 

Julie (seeing Jaques, rises, points to her fan R. of Maj.) Oh I I 
dropped my fan yonder. 

Maj. (goes to pick it up). Allow me to get it for you, Ma'am. 
(She pushes Jaq. down on chair and throws white shawl on his lap. ) 

Julie. Hold it for me a minute. (Exits quickly L. 2, with Gil. 
laughing silently ) 

Maj. (thinking she means the fan). Certainly, Ma'am! (Sits again 
in chair R. ) I really can't tell you how much I think of you! Our 
bright days in Italy together, and here in Paris, have been the very 
happiest of my life. (Jaq. pleased). I have learned to love you! 
(Jaq. surprised). To adore you. Ma'am! (Jaq. begins to see. He 
laughs, putting his hand on his knee). And, in proof of the sincerity 
of my undying affection, ! beg this hand in — (sees hand. Funny sur- 
prise. Picture, gradually follows up to face Jaq., laughing, Maj. 
conf nsed. Picture. ) 

Jaq. (laughing aloud). You mean my hand in marriage, Major? 
Ha, ha, ha! 

Maj. Damn it! I beg your pardon, Sah! Another confounded 
mistake! I am booked for a bunch of 'em, Sah! I thought you were 
your charming sister, Sah! 

Jaq. (convulsed with laughter). What? Julie? Well, I'm not. 
Major. Ha, ha, ha! 

Maj. (crest-fallen). So I see, Sah! But you— You told us she 
was the Jap. lady, Sah! 

Jaq. The sly rogues have suspected us, and exchanged costumes! 
Ha, ha ha! 



45 

Maj. (laughs sheepishly). It was ridiculous, wasn't it? (both 
laug-h). What became of her? (picks up shawl confusedly.) 

Jaq. Oh, she's gone and left me as her proxy. Won't I do? 

Maj. (confused). Well, scarcely, Sah, in this case. 

Jaq There, Major, stop your blushing! I not only give my con- 
sent, but enlist as your ally. 

Maj. Thank you, Sah! I'm mightily afraid I need an ally, Sah! 

Jaq. You were making a gallant attack on the enemy's entrench- 
ments. 

Maj (holds up shawl). But the enemy had slipped off under 
cover of a flag of truce. But, Jaques, how did you get there? 

Jaq. Innocently enough, Major. I wasn't a party to that trick. 
That fun-loving sister of mine made a cat's-paw of us both. We owe 
her one; and, if you will help me, we will pay her in her own coin, 
(rising.) 

Maj. (rises doubtfully). She might be angry, Sah! Then "My 
goose is cooked," as we say in America. 

Jaq. You trust me. I'll make her tell you how much she is in 
love with you, Major. Come! (whispers to Maj., both laugh heartily 
and exit R 2.) 

GOOKL-AH. Oh, my Beautiful! Karma Perusha! I tremble for 
you! Why would you come here tonight? Why will my gazelle go 
into the jungle to hunt the tiger? (come down C.) Thine Ayah old 
will hide and watch; and, if the tiger springs, old Goorlah will leap 
like the coiled cobra, (draws Malay creese) and drive her deadly fang 
into his heart! (pause, crosses L.) Where is she? I must find her 
and watch for him! Where the fawn wanders, the tiger skulks at her 
heel, but the dark, silent Shikaree stalks behind him! (exit, gliding 
creep, like Oriental, L. 3.) (PAUSE.) (Mart, and Yvette come on 
from L. 3. Mart, has sv/ord in hand and wire mask on up side down.) 

Mart. I never did see such a thing in my life before ! It was all 
the fault of this confounded man-splitter! (Yvette laughs.) 

Yvette. It was embarrassing, Henri; but it was not your fault. 
I was afraid you had broken your neck. (Gil. enters L. 2, laughing, 
— unseen by Mart., she above them ) 

Maht. (ruefully). My neck? Why, I thought I had broken 
everything in that part of the ball room, and annihilated you! We 
were waltzing so nicely when I happened to get straddle of this whole- 
sale murder iron, and turned a complete somersault! (all laugh) . 
When I landed in all this boiler iron it sounded as if a tornado had 
struck a junk shop! And then, everybody stopped dancing and gaped 
at us! 

Yvette (laughing). Poor fellow! Did it hurt you much? 

Mart. Oh, that's not the question. I was thinking of how my 



46 

awkward position ])ut you iu an awkward position, in having- a part- 
ner that was a confounded iron-bound, brass-ribbed, animated, addle- 
patedwind-mill! (hits his leg.) OuchI I'll bet we are both cripples 
for life! Poor Yvettel You must have blushed clear through your 
mask! 

YVETTE (laughing-). Speaking- of masks, yours is up side down. 

Mart. EhV Oh! I must have done that when I made that 
somersault! (girls laugh ) 

YVETTE. Well. Henri! You have introduced a new turn in the 
waltz. 

Mart. Yes ! The Vertical Turn! (girls laugh. ) I am the invent- 
or of the new acrobatic waltz, and my success has turned my head! 
(Puts mask rig-ht side up, then pushes it up on to]) of head, at the 
same time crosses R. of Yvette. with back to girls. Gil comes be- 
tween them, and Yvette hides behind her. ) Well the next time I try to 
to dance it will be without this two-edged disaster! (turns.) Hello! 
You? Where is Yvette? 

Gil. I don't know. 

Mart. Why, I just waltzed with her! 

(7IL. No! You waltzed with me ! 

Mart, (puzzled). Why. I was talking to her. right there, a min- 
ute ago ! 

Gil. (mischievously). No! You were talking to me. 

Mart, (astonished). With you? Did I !ight on my head and 
bend my brain? (looks around. Girls change back. ) Why. I know — 
(turns.) Hello! Where's Gilbert? 

Yvette (affecting surprise). Gilbert? Why. how should I 
know? 

Mart. Why, she was right there, just now ! 

Yvette (laughing). No! It was T. I have been here all the 
time! 

Mart. Now I KNOW I have got my ''Thinker" twisted! (loo-ky 
around, girls change back.) I would have sworn — (turns.) Gilbert! 
Well, I'll be — scrambled! (Gil, laughs.) Do you see any insanity 
here? Come here, in the light, and look in my eye! (swings Gil. R. . 
discovers Yvette.) So-ho! The mystery is solved! (all laugh.) 

Julie (entering L. 2). What are you laughing at? What has 
happened? 

Gil. Oh. Henri has been waltzing. 

Mart. W altzing? I have been doing a hurdle act over this pre- 
historic, two-handed villain bi-sector ! I am bruised all over, till I'm 
spotted like a coach dog! (they all laugh, retiring up R. as Maj. and 
Jaques re-enter R. 2, having exchanged costumes. Maj. has shawl in 
his hand. Julie goes to him. thinking it is Jaques. ) 



47 

Julie (Jaques up L. aud back of her). You naughty, bad, old 
boy! Why did you run away with my shawl? (takes it.) Say, Jaques, 
do you know I caught the Major saying sweet things to Yvette? He 
says he mistook her for me. Perhaps he did; but I'll tease him, at any 
rate, for a while, at least. It doesn't do to let these men know how 
fond you are of them. (Jaques raises mask and motions Maj. to si- 
lence.) Why, if he knew how much I loved him he'd be so vain it 
would just spoil him. But I do just love him to death. You don't 
care, do you, brother Jaques? (Jaq. shakes head "No." Major re- 
peats.) Wouldn't you like him for a brother, Jaques? (Jaq. nods 
"Yes." Major repeats.) But just watch me tease the dear fellow, (she 
crosses to Jaq., Maj. up R. of her.) Been flirting again, truant? (Jaq. 
shakes head.) I suppose you are to take Yvette back to America with 
you? 

Jaq. (imitating Major's voice). No. It's Gilbert I want; not 
Yvette. 

•lULiE. W^hat! Ohl It's Gilbert now. eh? King Solomon and his 
haremi Hadn't you better propose to all female Paris and then take 
your choice? I knew you had Mormons in America, but — 

Jaq. (takes off mask) Why, Julie! What's the matter? 

.lULiE (screams faintly). What! Jaques! You? I thought you 
were the Major! What became of him? 

Maj (down R. of her). At your service, Ma'am. 

Julie (in dismay). What! I thought you were Jaques! 

Maj. (laughing). You see how easy it is to be mistaken at a 
masque bal? But I am glad you made that mistake Ma'am. 

Jaq. (mischievously). Yes, Major! I told you she'd confess her 
love! Ha, ha, ha! 

Julie (confused). JaquesI Major! That was taking a mean ad 
vantage! 

Jaq "All's fair in love and war!'' I give you two a brother's 
blessing! (waltzes off L. ) 

Julie. Major, let's leave the monster. (Jaq. convulsed.) Come! 
Let us waltz! 

Maj. (offers arm). Will you be my partner? 

Julie Yes. Of course ! 

Maj. For life? 

Julie. Yes. for life: since you have discovered my secret. (Maj. 
hugs her, sees J aq. laughing. ) 

Maj. (changing quick to waltz position). We will waltz! (They 
exit L. 2. waltzing. Jaq. in chair, laughing.) 

Jaq. (laughing, Gil. comes up behind him). Ha, ha, ha! Well! 
That's the first time I ever got ahead of Julie. That's a capital joke! 
Ha. ha, ha! 



. 48 

Gil. (back of him. ])uts hands on his shoulders). Jaques! 

Jaq. (starts and turns). Eh? Hello! Fow did you know me in 
this disguise? 

Gil., (laughing). You didn't wear a disguise on your laugh, 
Jaques. 

Jaq. (brings her in front of chair). See here, young lady! There 
are a few things I want to know. 

Gil. (puts her hands behind her, a la school girl). Go ahead, 
teacher. 

Jaq. Do you love me? 

Gil. (same manner). Ye.s'm. I do. 

Jaq. Do you mean to marry me ? 

(tIL. (same manner). Yes'm. I do. 

Jaq. When ! 

Gil. Tomorrow — today — yesterday — any sort of time that you 
want to put your bonnet on and go. 

Jaq. (puts her mask on back of her head). Give me a kiss. 

Gil. (back to the audience. Puts up her hands ). Not with those 
whiskers! (Jaq. with face toward audience, puts braided Solomon 
beard on top of his forehead, hugs and kisses her.) 

Gil, Jack. 

Jaq, Jill! (More hug, funny picture, WAIT FOR LAUGH, 
Then Mart crosses between them, takes each by wrist, tragically, leads 
them down three steps, Jaq, and Mart, top of head to audience. Gil 
walking backward ) 

Mart Come hither with thy hitherness and bring thy hitherness 



with thee. 


Jack! Jill! I have ir 


Both 


What ? 


Mart 


Up stairs ! 


Both, 


What? 


Mart. 


Wctnderfull 


Both. 


Well? Well? 


Mart 


Jack! Jili: Sherbet 


Gil. 


Ha. ha! 


Jaq. 


He, he! 



Mart. Ho, ho! (Joins their hands, they march, in step, up cen- 
ter steps.) .Jack and Jill went up the hill, to get a lemon sherbet! 

Gil, Gill bet Jack WILL just foot the BILL. 

Jaq And gill she WILL win HER-bet! (Jaq. and Gil. exit 
L. U. E. Yvette, Jaughing, crosses R. C. and sits in chair ) 

Mart If that sort of thing goes on, it will blossom out into a 
full-blown wedding. (Helene and Jean enter R. 2 ) 

Yvette (crossing to seat R,. sits). Oh. Mons Henri I Is this 
terrible thing true? 



49 

Mart. What? 

YVETTE. That Mons. Jervois — killed — 

Mart. M 'me Celeste Flaroque? Yes, M'lle. 

YvETTE. You KNOW this? Tell me the whole truth, Henri. 
Why did he murder her? 

Mart He had compromised her, under a promise of marriage. 
He coveted your fortune, and wooed you. In her jealousy, she wrote 
to him, threatening- to expose his crimes. 

YvETTE. His crimes ? 

Mart. Yes. He wrote her a letter, in reply, that was, virtually, 
an acknowledgement of all. She threatened him with this letter. He 
demanded its return. She refused, and he killed her I have seen 
and read both letters. 

YvETTE. Oh. Oeil ! It is all true, then ! 

Mart. Yes. 

YvETTE. If you knew this. Henri, why did you not tell me of it 
before? 

Mart. Because I loved you myself, and it would have looked 
mean in me to try to win you that way. 

YvETTB (gives him her hand). Henri, you are a noble fellow, 
and you shall be my big brother. 

Mart. I'd rather be your sister, Gilbert's, big brother. 

YvETTE (sighing, withdraws her hand). I fear, Henri, that my 
idol is buried. 

Mart. Well, it's rotten at the heart and won't sprout. 

YvETTE. What do j^ou mean by that? 

Mart. I mean that there is no monument of respoct raised over 
that love. A man to hold the love of a woman of your pure, high 
ideals, must command her respect. I can wait till that planted idol 
has crumbled. 

YvETTE. And what then? 

Mart. Then you may need a new idol. And, when you do, I'm 
standing round to be idolized. I don't know what kind of an idol or 
•loss I'd make but, for your sake. I'd be willing to turn wooden Indian 
in front of a •'Smoke*' store. 

YvETTE (smiling, in spite of herself). So, you think I may need 
another idol? 

Mart. Perhaps. I hope so. If you do, you will find me in the 
market, for you, and no competition. I shall never love any girl but 
you, Yvette. 

Yvette Henri, I never thought you had such a depth of feeling 
under that sparkling surface of jest and fun. Wait till I have time to 
learn my heart. 

Mart, (with feeling). I'm waiting, Yvette. 



50 

\' \' KT'n: ( i-isiiitij. Come. Ileni-i! Le\ ii- fiinl llit- otliers. (.NJart. 
lias ]>iu s\\()i-«l Uetweeii knees and loi-g-oiten ahom it. He i-ises. falliiij^' 
t>vei' it. sit.s taciiig- Yvette. Fuany picture.; 

Mart. Well! R lank that blankety blank double back action, 
cast-iron man-slaug-hter! (Gets up, going L ) For fear that this 
blood-thirsty barbaric, bare-blade-ic horror makes rae a corpse in 
sections, I'll get ooe of the attendants to nurse it or lock it up in a 
cage till the ball is over. (They exit L. 2. Hurry pp. as Goorlah 
enters L. 3. coming R C. i 

Goorlah. Where is she"? My lady! My beautiful! Can any- 
thing have happened to her? I will find her! I— (Helene enters R. 2.) 

Helenb (surprised). Goorlah! You here? 

Goorlah (drop.s on knees, kisses her hand) Oh. my fawn! My 
gazelle! I was so frightened for you! Why would you come here"? 

Helene. Nay, Goorlah! Tell me! Why did YOU come? Why 
have you followed me? 

Goorlah. Forgive your old Ayah, my dove! T could not rest! 
I feared that awful man. your foe. He would try to kill you. my 
beautiful one I came to watch over you, to g"uard you. my child! 

Helene. You should not have come, Goorlah. You did wrong. 

Goorlah (rises proudly). Wrong I Did I not nurse you in these 
arms? Did [ not guard your cradle from the gliding snake — the 
stinging insect and the poison plant? Was it not I who taught those 
baby feet to walk and watched your every step, till now? Are you 
not dear to me as my own child? You may lead the she-leopard with 
the golden cord of love; she is your slave in all save this, her wild, 
tree nature rises, tierce and strong, to guard lier young. 

Helene (much moved). Goorlah ! 

Goorlah. That right T claim! My love has earned it! The 
right to gtiard my Helene! 

Helene (clasping her fondly). God bless you, dear old Ayah 
Goorlah! So yott shall! So you shall! Oh. what a heart of gold is 
yours ! 

Goorlah (patting and caressing her). Forgive me. darling! But 
T love you so ! 

Helene. I know that, dear old nurse! And Helene loves you so! 

Goorlah (starts up quickly). Is he— the poison-hearted — the 
poison-hearted — the Accursed One! Is he here? 

Helene Yes, Goorlah. (Points R.) Yonder! That one in i-ed 
and yellow, wdth the hood and bells. 

Goorlah (gliding R. 3. ) Ah ! I will watch him. as the tiner 
watches, crouching low — creeping with silent feet. (Exits R. 3.) 

Helene (going up toward statue vase R. C ) Dear, good heart! 
How tender Iv she loves me! Mv dear old nurse! Oh, Goorlah! How 



51 

4-an I lepjiy voiir li<>],\ iiioiher-love -your silent, watclifiil devotion? 
(Tui'iis, sees Jerv, Foitus elusive picture by statue-urn. same twist of 
skirt as pedestal.! Ah! (Seems to disappear, as .Terv. enters R. 2 
coming- R. C near her and at her R. ) 

Jerv. (looks around, taking- off mask). What is their plan? 
They have evidence enough against me to send me to the guillotine; 
and yet they make no move. What does it mean? Five times I have 
tried to fly from Paris, and each time, against my will, some strange, 
subtle power drags me back. Curse that dark devil of a Hindoo! It 
is he whose hypnotic spell holds me. like a chained brute! If I could 
only kill him! (Puts back hood.) This "M'lle Satan." From the 
Russian police I shall soon learn all concerning the Torgoffski fam- 
ily. By Heaven! I will know who this woman is! Oh, I am stifling! 
The heat! This fever! ( looks around fearfully, facing Helene, but not 
looking at her, in wiping bj'ow, pushes back his hair and shows the 
scar- sign. ) 

Helene. It is he! 

Jerv. (startled, puts on hood quickly). Ha! 

Helene (triumphant laugh). Too late, Mons. Jervois ! You 
have shown your treasured beauty-mark to me: one of the Sacred In- 
ner Circle of India ! 

Jerv. Devil or woman! Speak! Tell me who you really are! 

Helene. Flelene Paget ! 

Jerv. (starts in terror) Paget! 

Helene. Yes! Daughter of Sir George Paget, whom you, dis- 
guised as the old priest, Sabool IVIahnglee, murdered in the temple of 
Punhkara ! 

Jerv. (staggers, appalled). My God! 

Helene (fiercely). Wretch! Your God is Kali, the Thugs' God 
of Murder ! 

Jerv. (cunningly, aside). Murder? Yes! There is no other 
way ! (draws sword from bauble and thrusts. She has kept her hands 
behind her, with staff till now, so as to complete picture. She disarms 
him with cane. As his .sword falls between them, Goorlah springs on 
from R. between them, putting her foot on his sword and raises Ma- 
lay creese.) 

Goorlah. Snake! 

Jerv. What! You? 

Goorlah (fiercely). Yes! (He starts for her. Jean has entered 
R. 2, springs to R. of Jerv. and throws him R.) 

Jean. Coward! 

Jerv. Ha! Dare you — 

Jean. Dare! You stole Celeste. I hunted my unknown wronger 
and you hid like a coward from me. Tonight, I learn that it was you 



52 

who murdered the woman whose life you had ruined! Now you at- 
tempt the life of the woman I love! Dare? Fool! Choose between 
the Guillotine and the duel! (slaps him in face with glove ) 

Jerv. (fiercely). Your life — 

Helene (quickly crosses Goorlah. catches his arm), -'ean! What 
would you do? You cannot fight this man! He is a felon! 

Jean (fiercely) But Honor has put the w^ord of Justice in my 
hand! 

Jerv. (smiles wickedly). Mons. Jean Flaroque. I shall kill you 
with the greatest pleasure ! 

Jean. My second will call on you in the morning*. Now, go ! 

Jerv. (crossing L). To prepare for your funeral? Yes! Ha, 
ha, ha! (exits L. 2. Goorlah follows him, unobserved by anyone ) 

Helene (closing her eyes, a la medium). Ahdeeb! Brother! 
Come to me! — (to Jean) Oh, Jean! You cannot, -must not fight this 
man! 

Jean (fiercely). I will! Pardon me. Helene! I must ! After this 
act of violence to you, — after what I have learned tonight, I should be 
a coward if I did not force him to fight me! 

Helene. Jean ! Hear me ! You can only fight with gentlemen ! 
This man is a criminal ! 

Jean. Yet you. though holding the proofs of his crime, as 
Jaques has just told me. refuse to denounce him! Though you may 
spare him, 1 will not ! By Heaven, he dies ! 

Helene. Yes, Jean! But not by your hand! 

Jean (surprised). What do you mean? 

Helene. I mean that this man murdered a holy Brahmin: and 
for that crime Siva will strike him dead! 

Jean. But you forget. Helene. I do not believe in the religion 
of India. 

Helene What? You do not believe in India's gods; yet you 
saw with your own eyes the burning sign of their wrath. It was the 
beginning af the end ! That end is near I Promise me that you will 
not fight him till after tomorrow ! 

Jean. Well, Helene, I promise (gives hand). 

Helene. Oh, Jean! I thank you sol Vengeance belongs to Siva 
— not to man ! 

Jean. But Helene. if within thirty hours he does not die by 
Heaven's hand, I swear he dies by mine! (Ahdeeb enters R. 2 and ap- 
proaches, folds arms and waits. ) 

Helene. Well, Jean, I consent. (Sees Ahd.) Ahdeeb! 

Ahd. Lady, you called me, I am here. 

Helene. Yes. Ahdeeb. (To Jean.) Excuse us for a moment, 
Mons. Flaroque ! I must speak to Ahdeeb. 



53 

Jean (bowing). Certainly, M'lle. (retires up steps C.) 

Helene (triumphantly). Ahdeed ! I, your sister in the Inner 
Mysteries, have seen the mark upon his forehead ! 
Ahd. What! 

Helene. Yes! Here! Just now! The end is near! 
Ahd. Yes, very near! (takes her hand.) My sister and my 
queen! You have been faithful to our sacred vow! Our task is al- 
most ended. But my heart is heavy with sorrow when I think how 
soon I must leave you ! 

Helene (disj)airing-ly). Oh, Ahdeed! Brother! Why must you 
go? ' 

Ahd, (sadly). My Duty! But, oh, within my heart, how tenderly 
will bloom and linger the sweet memories of our childhood days. 
Those bright hours, far away, in the Land of the Lotus. 

Helene (deeply moved). Ahdeeb, my brother! We have never 
been parted since we were children! How can I live without your gen- 
tle nature near me? 

Ahd. I am ever near you, Sister Helene! Often when the sunrise 
kisses the flashing waves of the bright Indian Ocean, or when the 
palms droop in noon's hot splendor, or the cool breath of evening 
pours the jungle's perfume o'er India's weary children, my heart shall 
hear thy sweet lips whisper: "Ahdeeb! Brother! Come to me!" 
Then, thou shalt not be alone! Thou shalt look up and find me at thy 
side! (turns fiercely ) I go to find him, — the Accursed One! His 
doom is at hand! (Tenderly to her.) Sister, before the sun shall rise 
on Paris, I shall be in India! Vishnu guard thee! Farewell! Farewell! 
(presses her hand to his heart and his brow, rises and goes slowly L.) 

Helene (when he is at entrance, stretches out hands to him, call- 
ing;. Ahdeeb! (he waves hand to her. turns, covers face and exits ) 

Helene (holds out her hands to him). Jean! 

Jean (siezes her hands, clasps her to his heart). Helene! My 
darling! (Music heard off L., quadrille, he releases her as Jaq. and 
Gil. come running down steps C.) 

Gil. (crossing L ) Come, you two! Stop mooning there! The 
Grand Quadrille is on, (Jaq. and Gil exit L. 2.) 

Helene (taking Jean's arm). Yes, we must go or they will won- 
der at our absence. (They follow oft" L. 2. Weird Hindoo music, 
(L'Africane). Ahd. comes on to C, turns and waves off L. 2. Jerv. 
hypnotized, enters L. 2, prowling as in Act II to L. C. front of scrim. 
Ahd. waves hand and ,Terv. slowlv wakes. Ahd. back of him. unseen 
by him.) 

Ahd. xVwake! (He slowly wakens. ) 

.Ierv. Where am I? Ah! The ball! I remember now! (Stage 
gradually dark.) Strange! What the Devil ails me? Asleep and 



walkino- ill a clreaml Curse those two! Are they driving* me mady 
(Sinking- on knee- hides his face.) Horror! Horror! (Ahd. waves 
hand over him. He slowly rises under the spell ag-ain. Same busi- 
ness as in Act II. puts jewels in imaginary bag. etc.) Ha. ha, ha! It 
was boy's play to enter and strip the temple of its treasures. Once 
safely out of India, and the poor, thievish dog of a camp-follower has 
wealth and power and the world at his feet. Ha! What was that? 
(Hides, business of throwing cord and strangling Paget. Draws dag- 
ger, turns, startled, ^^prings up and stabs imaginary Rahm Dlee. ) 
Dog of a Hindool Die! (Stabs and throws an imaginary body to his 
L.. shrinking as if under the curse, then, with a cry of horror, clasps 
hands to his head, showing scar to Ahd. j 

Ahd. Ah! I. too. have seen it, and I am the second! (waves hands 
over him, Ahd. standing on second step.) Awake! Awake! Awake! 
( Jerv. wakes) Claude Jervois, thou man of blood! Thy race is run! 
Thou hast shown the mark of thy shame to two of the Inner Circle ! 
This hour thine empty lamp of life shall flicker and go out! (Sign 
appeal's, floating in mid-air.) Behold the Sign of Siva! 

Jerv. (sinks down, with a moan, then slow^ly rises toward^it, like 
a bird charmed by a snake. As he approaches it, in hollow voice of 
horror ) It is death! ; Sign comes nearer and touches him on fore- 
head. With a moan he falls forward, dead and limp. Sign dis- 
appears. ) 

Ahd. (at top of steps, takes off scarf from waist, holding it in 
front of him.) Master! Thy will is done! (Raising scarf.) Oh, Holy 
Trinity of India and the World! (Lower scarf.) (Raise) Brahma, 
Great Creator ! (Raise) Vishnu, Preserver of all! (Raise) Siva. 
Mighty Master of Change, of Destruction and ultimate Perfection! I 
have done your bidding, and I return to your Holy Shrines! (Raise) 
Mahatmas of India! Brothers of the Mystic Inner Circle! Thy 
brother, Ahdeeb Dahnmoot, comes to you! (Scarf goes up in flies. 
Ahd. gone. Lights gradually up, during pause of count fifteen, then 
enter Jaq., Gil., Mart, and Yvette, L. 2, laughing.) 

Gil. You dear old Jaques! Why, you are just a lovely waltzer! 

Mart, (to Yvette). Well, I flatter ourselves we got along a great 
deal better without that chopping knife. 

Yvette (laughing). Yes, Henri! You more than redeemed your- 
self. (Maj., Julie and Jean enter L. 2.) 

Jaq. (sees body). What's this? 

Mart. Some one fainted ? 

Maj. Who ? 

Jaq. Jervois ! He is dead ! 

All. Dead? 

Jean. Jervois! Dead! Poor Celeste! You are avenged! 



X107 



55 

Maj. (examining- him). Heart disease ! 

Helenb on top of steps). No! The Vengeance of Heaven has 
fallen on the triple murderer ! (All surprised.) Look on his fore-' 
head! You will find the proof! 

Jaq. (puts back fore-lock, showing scar). Mon Dieul Look! 

All (with awe). The Sign of Siva! 

Helens. Friends, I will tell you all tomorrow. The seal of 
silnce is no longer on my lips. It was no human hand that struck that 
blow. (Hand to Jean.) Jean! 

Jean. Helene ! 

Helene. My task is ended. I can listen now. (CURTAIN.) 



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